"Who is this ruler of yours?" inquired Dorothy.
"She is a beautiful Fairy Princess, named Ozana," Hi-Lo replied.
"Ozana!" exclaimed Dorothy. "Wizard, did you hear that? Ozana—doesn't that sound an awful lot like an Oz name?"
"It certainly does," agreed the little man. "May we see this Princess Ozana of yours?" he asked Hi-Lo.
"I was about to mention," replied Hi-Lo, "that it was Ozana's orders when she appointed me Keeper of the Elevator that I was to instruct any passengers I might have to seek her out at her home in Pineville."
"Oh, let's go see her right away!" exclaimed Dorothy excitedly.
"Not tonight," objected Hi-Lo. "You would never find your way through the Pine Forest in the dark. You may stay with us tonight and be on your way to see Princess Ozana early in the morning."
Dorothy and the Wizard could offer no objection to this sensible and kindly offer of hospitality. Since it was now quite dark outside, and the little cottage was cheerful and cozy with the log fire casting dancing reflections in the brightly enameled furniture, they were quite content to spend the night there.
After several more questions about the ruler who called herself Ozana, Dorothy and the Wizard decided that Hi-Lo and his wife knew nothing more beyond the facts that Princess Ozana had created the pine folks and built the village for them to live in.
"Have you and Hi-Lo always lived here alone?" Dorothy asked Mrs. Hi-Lo.