"
"How did you cross the mountains before?" inquired the
Ork.
"I scaled the cliffs by means of a rope, and crossed
the Great Gulf on a strand of spider web. Of course I can
return in the same manner, but it would be a hard journey
-- and perhaps an impossible one -- for Trot and Button-
Bright and Cap'n Bill. So I thought that if you had the
time you and your people would carry us over the
mountains and land us all safely on the other side, in
the Land of Oz."
The Ork thoughtfully considered the matter for a while.
Then he said:
"I mustn't break my promise to be present at the
surprise party; but, tell me, could you go to Oz to-
night?"
"What, now?" exclaimed Trot.
"It is a fine moonlight night," said the Ork, "and I've
found in my experience that there's no time so good as
right away. The fact is," he explained, "it's a long
journey to Orkland and I and my cousins here are all
rather tired by our day's work. But if you will start
now, and be content to allow us to carry you over the
mountains and dump you on the other side, just say the
word and -- off we go!"
Cap'n Bill and Trot looked at one another
questioningly.
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