"Never mind your hunger," interrupted the Prince. "I shall order you
destroyed in a few minutes, so you will have no need to ruin our pretty
melon vines and berry bushes. Follow me, please, to meet your doom."



5. Dorothy Picks the Princess


The words of the cold and moist vegetable Prince were not very
comforting, and as he spoke them he turned away and left the
enclosure. The children, feeling sad and despondent, were about to
follow him when the Wizard touched Dorothy softly on her shoulder.

"Wait!" he whispered.

"What for?" asked the girl.

"Suppose we pick the Royal Princess," said the Wizard. "I'm quite
sure she's ripe, and as soon as she comes to life she will be the
Ruler, and may treat us better than that heartless Prince intends to."

"All right!" exclaimed Dorothy, eagerly. "Let's pick her while we
have the chance, before the man with the star comes back."

So together they leaned over the great bush and each of them seized
one hand of the lovely Princess.

"Pull!" cried Dorothy, and as they did so the royal lady leaned toward