"Only what?" interceded Dorothy.
"Well, it does get a little lonely at times."
"You mean there is no lady lion to keep you company?" said Dorothy with a sly wink.
"That is true," answered the Lion. "I am the only one here."
"Well, I'm sure we're bound to run into another lion on our journey," said Dorothy encouragingly.
"Oh, very doubtful," replied the Lion. "I've never heard of another one."
"There are parts of Oz," said the Tin Woodman, who had been listening intently, "that are unexplored. No one knows what's there."
"You see!" Dorothy exclaimed.
The Lion shrugged. "It would be nice," he said, "if we came across a lady lion. Very nice indeed."
"Well, we'd better start some plans," said Dorothy. "Did anyone bring a map with them?"