"Hello," said the smaller creature. "Your majesty, Mr. Cowardly Lion,
Sir?"
"Yes?" replied the Lion, looking around to see where the voice had come from. "W-who's that? W-who said th-that?" When his large eyes came upon the wombat, he seemed to smile. "Why, Ricardo, there you are. I didn't see you at first. How are you doing?"
"Okay, I guess," said the wombat.
"And your mother?" added the Lion.
"She's fine," said Ricardo.
"I am very happy to hear it," said the Cowardly Lion. "But tell me, my friend, why you seem so glum. A boy your age shouldn't have any problems that would cause such glumness. What's wrong?"
[Illustration: Cowardly Lion and Wombat]
"Weeeeell," began the wombat slowly. "It's kind of silly, I guess. But I wanted to ask your advice about something."
"You think it's silly to ask my advice?" said the Cowardly Lion, pretending to be hurt.
"No, that's not what I meant," replied Ricardo. "I mean, what I wanted to ask you about is kind of silly. I'm not sure it would be right to waste your time on. I think I should leave now …" He turned to leave.