"That's so," mused Ozma, thoughtfully, "and I'm rather glad Atmos has some proof. He was such an old dear, when you got to know him."
"You may have my big wig if you wish," offered Reddy, generously, "but I'm afraid, even as a giant, you could not step across the desert."
"No," sighed Ozma, "I suppose not. Besides, every ruler should have at least one magic possession. With the Rash rubies and the giant's wig you ought to be able to rule for many years without any trouble."
"How about the rubies?" asked Carter. "Wouldn't the ruby that protected us from the Gnome King protect us from the burning sands? Why, maybe it was that ruby that helped us to cross the desert in the first place. I had it then, you know!"
"I thought it was the quick sandals," said Betsy. "Maybe the ruby would not work on sand Carter and—"
"I have thought of something!" cried Fizzenpop, who was anxious for Reddy to keep all of his magic treasures. "It would be unwise for her Majesty to risk crossing the desert with only the ruby to help her, but with our marvelous canes nothing could harm her at all."
"Canes?" murmured Ozma.
"Hurry canes," smiled the Grand Vizier. "With our patent action, triply guaranteed hurry-canes you can all cross the Deadly Desert and safely return to Oz."
"Oh, Fizzenpop!" exclaimed Reddy, in delight, "Why didn't I think of that?"
The Hungry Tiger rolled up his eyes and shuddered, but the others, who had never ridden a Rash hurry-cane, were charmed with the Grand Vizier's suggestion. That evening, after Reddy had shown Ozma and the others all over his pretty pink Kingdom, and after the populace had given three cheers for the Rescuers of Rash, Fizzenpop took five hurry canes from the umbrella stand. Five, because at the last minute, Reddy insisted upon going to the Emerald City, too.