"I don't ordinarily like to employ magic, unless it is necessary," the beaver King explained. "We beavers prefer to work for what we get but magic affords the quickest manner of providing the strange foods that you human beings seem to enjoy."
Twiffle and the beaver King conversed while Shaggy, Twink, and Tom enjoyed the food. They were much hungrier than they realized; the ride on the river had given them a tremendous appetite.
When they had finished eating the King of the Fairy Beavers said: "Now, my friends, would be a good time to plan our trip to the Land of Oz."
No one said a word, but every eye was fixed with eager attention on the little animal.
"We cannot fly over the Deadly Desert," the beaver King went on. "Nor can we cross it—the devouring sands would mean quick death for all of us."
"Then we're just not going to Oz, I guess," said Tom sadly.
"Oh, yes, I think we are," replied the beaver King quickly. "There is one way left to cross the Desert."
A hush fell over the company as they waited for the beaver King's next words.