President of the United States. Indeed, I would much rather be your
story-teller, under these conditions, than to be the President. So
you have helped me to fulfill my life's ambition, and I am more
grateful to you, my dears, than I can express in words.

I try to answer every letter of my young correspondents; yet sometimes
there are so many letters that a little time must pass before you get
your answer. But be patient, friends, for the answer will surely
come, and by writing to me you more than repay me for the pleasant
task of preparing these books. Besides, I am proud to acknowledge
that the books are partly yours, for your suggestions often guide me in
telling the stories, and I am sure they would not be half so good
without your clever and thoughtful assistance.

L. FRANK BAUM

Coronado, 1908.




1. The Earthquake


The train from 'Frisco was very late. It should have arrived at
Hugson's Siding at midnight, but it was already five o'clock and the
gray dawn was breaking in the east when the little train slowly
rumbled up to the open shed that served for the station-house. As it
came to a stop the conductor called out in a loud voice: