20. Zeb Returns to the Ranch

Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz

by L. Frank Baum

Eureka was much surprised to find herself in disgrace; but she
was, in spite of the fact that she had not eaten the piglet. For the
folks of Oz knew the kitten had tried to commit the crime, and that
only an accident had prevented her from doing so; therefore even the
Hungry Tiger preferred not to associate with her. Eureka was
forbidden to wander around the palace and was made to stay in
confinement in Dorothy's room; so she began to beg her mistress to
send her to some other place where she could enjoy herself better.

Dorothy was herself anxious to get home, so she promised Eureka
they would not stay in the Land of Oz much longer.

The next evening after the trial the little girl begged Ozma to
allow her to look in the enchanted picture, and the Princess readily
consented. She took the child to her room and said: "Make your wish,
dear, and the picture will show the scene you desire to behold."

Then Dorothy found, with the aid of the enchanted picture, that
Uncle Henry had returned to the farm in Kansas, and she also saw that
both he and Aunt Em were dressed in mourning, because they thought
their little niece had been killed by the earthquake.

"Really," said the girl, anxiously, "I must get back as soon as
poss'ble to my own folks."

Zeb also wanted to see his home, and although he did not find
anyone morning for him, the sight of Hugson's Ranch in the picture
made him long to get back there.

"This is a fine country, and I like all the people that live in
it," he told Dorothy. "But the fact is, Jim and I don't seem to fit
into a fairyland, and the old horse has been begging me to go home
again ever since he lost the race. So, if you can find a way to fix
it, we'll be much obliged to you."

"Ozma can do it, easily," replied Dorothy. "Tomorrow morning
I'll go to Kansas and you can go to Californy."

That last evening was so delightful that the boy will never
forget it as long as he lives. They were all together (except
Eureka) in the pretty rooms of the Princess, and the Wizard did some
new tricks, and the Scarecrow told stories, and the Tin Woodman sang
a love song in a sonorous, metallic voice, and everybody laughed and
had a good time. Then Dorothy wound up Tik-tok and he danced a jig to
amuse the company, after which the Yellow Hen related some of her
adventures with the Nome King in the Land of Ev.

The Princess served delicious refreshments to those who were in
the habit of eating, and when Dorothy's bed time arrived the company
separated after exchanging many friendly sentiments.

Next morning they all assembled for the final parting, and many
of the officials and courtiers came to look upon the impressive
ceremonies.

Dorothy held Eureka in her arms and bade her friends a fond
good-bye.

"You must come again, some time," said the little Wizard; and
she promised she would if she found it possible to do so.

"But Uncle Henry and Aunt Em need me to help them," she added,
"so I can't ever be very long away from the farm in Kansas."

Ozma wore the Magic Belt; and, when she had kissed Dorothy
farewell and had made her wish, the little girl and her kitten
disappeared in a twinkling.

"Where is she?" asked Zeb, rather bewildered by the suddenness
of it.

"Greeting her uncle and aunt in Kansas, by this time," returned
Ozma, with a smile.

Then Zeb brought out Jim, all harnessed to the buggy, and took
his seat.

"I'm much obliged for all your kindness," said the boy, "and
very grateful to you for saving my life and sending me home again
after all the good times I've had. I think this is the loveliest
country in the world; but not being fairies Jim and I feel we ought
to be where we belong--and that's at the ranch. Good-bye,
everybody!"

He gave a start and rubbed his eyes. Jim was trotting along the
well-known road, shaking his ears and whisking his tail with a
contented motion. Just ahead of them were the gates of Hugson's
Ranch, and Uncle Hugson now came out and stood with uplifted arms and
wide open mouth, staring in amazement.

"Goodness gracious! It's Zeb--and Jim, too!" he exclaimed.
"Where in the world have you been, my lad?"

"Why, in the world, Uncle," answered Zeb, with a laugh.