“What’s all this?” demanded Kabumpo, pricking up his ears.
“The Question Box says I must marry the Princess of Sun Top Mountain,” said Pompa, getting up wearily.
“Well, Great Grump, why couldn’t it have said so before?” asked Kabumpo shrilly.
“You never asked it,” snapped Wag, twitching his nose. “I told you Ozma wasn’t the Princess mentioned in the scroll!”
“Now don’t quarrel,” begged Peg Amy, jumping up hastily. “There’s still plenty of time to save Pumperdink. Come along, Pompa.”
“That’s right,” said Ozma, smiling approvingly at Peg. “And when Pompa finds his Princess you must come and live with me in the Emerald City, for as Ruggedo was responsible for bringing you to life, I want to take care of you always.”
Peg Amy dropped a curtsey and promised to come, but she didn’t feel very cheerful about it. Then, as Ozma was anxious to get back to the Emerald City, they all hurried to Runaway Country.
“You are to take these travelers across the Deadly Desert,” said Ozma, addressing the Runaway Country quite sternly, “and you are to set them down in the Winkie Country. If you do this I will restore your moving power again and give you a little gnome for King. Then you may run off to the Nonestic Ocean as soon as ever you wish.”
“I want Peg,” pouted the Country, “but if that’s the best you can do I suppose I’ll have to stand it.” After a little more grumbling it agreed to Ozma’s terms. Wearily, Kabumpo, Wag, Peg and Pompa climbed aboard and then Ozma spun around six times in the opposite direction and immediately the Country found itself able to move again.
“Good-bye!” called Ozma, as she and the Scarecrow jumped into Glinda’s chariot. “Good-bye and good luck!”