Dorothys Mystical Adventures in Oz | Page 5

contact is not possible, it becomes necessary for mortal intervention. That is why you
have been called. To try to bring the Wicked Witch of the Deep South to a higher
understanding. I myself have tried and failed."
"But what can I do?" asked the girl. "If you, a very powerful witch, cannot make her give
up her evil ways, what hope have I?"
"You have a very special power," said Glinda. "Also, this Intelligence -- otherwise known
as the Great Wizard -- is about to bestow the essence of His wisdom on you. Actually, he
is merely unlocking your own inner wisdom. You will gradually become aware of this.
The words you speak during this particular excursion to Oz will reflect this wisdom. It is
hoped this will bring enlightenment to the witch, as well as others. Do you feel guilty
about killing her sisters?"
"No," replied Dorothy. "I do not. In both cases it was an accident. It wasn't my fault that
the cyclone picked up my house and dropped it on the Wicked Witch of the East. And as
far as the Wicked Witch of the West was concerned, I was furious that she stole my shoe.
That's why that I threw a bucket of water over her. But how was I to know the water
would melt her down to a puddle? I was sorry I destroyed her at first, but later quite
relieved. I believe she would have killed us all."
After a moment's contemplation, the girl continued, "Of course, being the cause of
someone's death is nothing to be proud of. But since it happened anyway, Oz is a lot
happier place for it."
"Yes, and because of that," said Glinda, "the Munchkins think of you as their Queen.
Their wish is for you to stay in Oz forever and rule all of Munchkin Country."
"Oh, I couldn't stay in Oz forever!" exclaimed Dorothy. "I mean, I'm most honored that
they want me to be their Queen; but much as I love this beautiful Land of Oz and all my
friends here, I love Kansas and Aunt Em and everyone else too."
"Well, as it happens," said Glinda, "your life is in mortal danger. The Wicked Witch of
the Deep South is not playing games. Even as we speak she is scheming up the most
horrible things. She is in no mood to give up her evil ways, I'm afraid."
"Well, I won't be pushed around by her," said Dorothy emphatically. "Tomorrow we will
find the Lion and make our plans."
Glinda nodded her head and put her hand on Dorothy's shoulder. "You're a brave girl,"
she said. "I'm very proud of you. I'll be standing by to help in any way I can."

Glinda departed.
"You go on to bed, Dorothy," said the Scarecrow. "We'll get things ready for our
journey." Dorothy yawned as she bid her friends goodnight. "I am awfully tired," she said.
"And we do have a long journey ahead of us." The Scarecrow had previously made a
most comfortable bed up for her. She fell asleep almost as soon as her head touched the
pillow.
*

Chapter 4
:
The Pinheads
*
The following morning, bright and early, Dorothy and her friends started out for the
forest where the Cowardly Lion lived. The Lion had stayed there to help all the animals
who lived in the forest to fight a fierce monster, and was now King of the Beasts.
"Perhaps we should order a Pinhead river and raft to take us as far as the Dainty China
Country," said the Scarecrow.
"But I can't swim," replied the Tin Woodman. "What if I fall overboard?"
"Oh, don't worry about that," said the Scarecrow. "Pinhead rivers are only a couple of
feet deep. The worst that can happen to you if you fall in the water is a rusty joint or
two."
"Well, I'd better pack my oil-can then," replied the Tin Woodman seriously.
"The Pinheads," explained the Scarecrow, turning to Dorothy, "are almost an extinct
breed. You'll find them very interesting. The few that are left live in a small village
nearby."
Dorothy looked completely perplexed. "But order a river? You mean you can order a
river on demand? Just like that?"
"Just wait and see," replied the Scarecrow, with a knowing grin.
As they approached the Pinheads' village, a few Pinhead children ran out to meet them.
Dorothy could see why were called Pinheads. Their heads really were the size of a pin,
and when they spoke, their voices were high and squeaky.

"Have you come for R and R?" squeaked one of the Pinhead children.
"R and R?" questioned Dorothy, "You mean rest and recreation?"
With that all the pinhead children burst into a fit of high squeaky laughter.