As the new arrivals gazed upon this exquisite scene they were
enraptured by its beauties and the fragrance that permeated the soft
air, which they breathed so gratefully after the confined atmosphere
of the tunnel. Several minutes were consumed in silent admiration
before they noticed two very singular and unusual facts about this
valley. One was that it was lighted from some unseen source; for no
sun or moon was in the arched blue sky, although every object was
flooded with a clear and perfect light. The second and even more
singular fact was the absence of any inhabitant of this splendid
place. From their elevated position they could overlook the entire
valley, but not a single moving object could they see. All appeared
mysteriously deserted.

The mountain on this side was not glass, but made of a stone similar
to granite. With some difficulty and danger Jim drew the buggy over
the loose rocks until he reached the green lawns below, where the
paths and orchards and gardens began. The nearest cottage was still
some distance away.

"Isn't it fine?" cried Dorothy, in a joyous voice, as she sprang out
of the buggy and let Eureka run frolicking over the velvety grass.

"Yes, indeed!" answered Zeb. "We were lucky to get away from those
dreadful vegetable people."

"It wouldn't be so bad," remarked the Wizard, gazing around him, "if
we were obliged to live here always. We couldn't find a prettier
place, I'm sure."