y Lion and the Hungry Tiger were
drawing behind them a splendid golden chariot, to which they were
harnessed by golden cords. The body of the chariot was decorated on
the outside with designs in clusters of sparkling emeralds, while
inside it was lined with a green and gold satin, and the cushions of
the seats were of green plush embroidered in gold with a crown,
underneath which was a monogram.

"Why, it's Ozma's own royal chariot!" exclaimed Dorothy.

"Yes," said the Cowardly Lion; "Ozma sent us to meet you here, for she
feared you would be weary with your long walk and she wished you to
enter the City in a style becoming your exalted rank."

"What!" cried Polly, looking at Dorothy curiously. "Do you belong to
the nobility?"

"Just in Oz I do," said the child, "'cause Ozma made me a Princess, you
know. But when I'm home in Kansas I'm only a country girl, and have to
help with the churning and wipe the dishes while Aunt Em washes 'em.
Do you have to help wash dishes on the rainbow, Polly?"

"No, dear," answered Polychrome, smiling.

"Well, I don't have to work any in Oz, either," said Dorothy. "It's
kind of fun to be a Princess once in a while; don't you think so?"

"Dorothy and Polychrome and Button-Bright are all to ride in the
chariot," said the Lion. "So get in, my dears, and be careful not to
mar the gold or put your dusty feet on the embroidery."

Button-Bright was delighted to ride behind such a superb team, and he
told Dorothy it made him feel like an actor in a circus. As the
strides of the animals brought them nearer to the Emerald City every
one bowed respectfully to the children, as well as to the Tin Woodman,
Tik-tok, and the shaggy man, who were following behind.

The Yellow Hen had perched upon the back of the chariot, where she
could tell Dorothy more about her wonderful chickens as they rode. And
so the grand chariot came finally to the high wall surrounding the
City, and paused before the magnificent jewel-studded gates.

These were opened by a cheerful-looking little man who wore green
spectacles over his eyes. Dorothy introduced him to her friends as the
Guardian of the Gates, and they noticed a big bunch of keys suspended
on the golden chain that hung around his neck. The chariot passed
through the outer gates into a fine arched chamber built in the thick
wall, and through the inner gates into the streets of the Emerald City.

Polychrome exclaimed in rapture at the wondrous bea