ust also thank you for saving me from that dreadful Giantess,
Mrs. Yoop. You have been good and patient comrades and I have enjoyed
our adventures together, but I am never so happy as when on my dear
Rainbow."

"Will your father scold you for getting left on the earth?" asked Woot.

"I suppose so," said Polychrome gaily; "I'm always getting scolded for
my mad pranks, as they are called. My sisters are so sweet and lovely
and proper that they never dance off our Rainbow, and so they never have
any adventures. Adventures to me are good fun, only I never like to stay
too long on earth, because I really don't belong here. I shall tell my
Father the Rainbow that I'll try not to be so careless again, and he
will forgive me because in our sky mansions there is always joy and
happiness."

They were indeed sorry to part with their dainty and beautiful companion
and assured her of their devotion if they ever chanced to meet again.
She shook hands with the Scarecrow and the Tin Men and kissed Woot the
Wanderer lightly upon his forehead.

And then the rain suddenly ceased, and as the tiny people left the
burrow of the Blue Rabbit, a glorious big Rainbow appeared in the sky
and the end of its arch slowly descended and touched the ground just
where they stood.

Woot was so busy watching a score of lovely maidens--sisters of
Polychrome--who were leaning over the edge of the bow, and another score
who danced gaily amid the radiance of the splendid hues, that he did not
notice he was growing big again. But now Polychrome joined her sisters
on the Rainbow and the huge arch lifted and slowly melted away as the
sun burst from the clouds and sent its own white beams dancing over the
meadows.

"Why, she's gone!" exclaimed the boy, and turned to see his companions
still waving their hands in token of adieu to the vanished Polychrome.

[Illustration]

The Curtain Falls

[Illustration]

CHAPTER 24

Well, the rest of the story is quickly told, for the return journey of
our adventurers was without any important incident. The Scarecrow was so
afraid of meeting the Hip-po-gy-raf, and having his straw eaten again,
that he urged his comrades to select another route to the Emerald City,
and they willingly consented, so that the Invisible Country was wholly
avoided.

Of course, when they reached the Emerald City their first duty was to
visit Ozma's palace, where they were royally entertained. The Tin
Soldier and Woot the Wander