This Lion was a great favorite with Ozma and always guarded her throne
on state occasions. He was also an old companion and friend of the
Princess Dorothy, so the girl was delighted to have him join the
party.

"I'm so nervous over our dear Ozma," said the Cowardly Lion in his
deep, rumbling voice, "that it would make me unhappy to remain behind
while you are trying to find her. But do not get into any danger, I
beg of you, for danger frightens me terribly."

"We'll not get into danger if we can poss'bly help it," promised
Dorothy, "but we shall do anything to find Ozma, danger or no danger."

The addition of the Woozy and the Cowardly Lion to the party gave
Betsy Bobbin an idea, and she ran to the marble stables at the rear of
the palace and brought out her mule, Hank by name. Perhaps no mule
you ever saw was so lean and bony and altogether plain looking as this
Hank, but Betsy loved him dearly because he was faithful and steady
and not nearly so stupid as most mules are considered to be. Betsy
had a saddle for Hank, and he declared she would ride on his back, an
arrangement approved by the Wizard because it left only four of the
party to ride on the seats of the Red Wagon--Dorothy and Button-Bright
and Trot and himself.

An old sailor man who had one wooden leg came to see them off and
suggested that they put a supply of food and blankets in the Red Wagon
inasmuch as they were uncertain how long they would be gone. This
sailor man was called Cap'n Bill. He was a former friend and comrade
of Trot and had encountered many adventures in company with the little
girl. I think he was sorry he could not go with her on this trip, but