"We know that the Wizard taught the old woman many of his tricks of magic,"
continued Glinda; "and this he would not have done had she not assisted him
in some way. So we may suspect with good reason that Mombi aided him to hide
the girl Ozma, who was the real heir to the throne of the Emerald City, and
a constant danger to the usurper. For, if the people knew that she lived,
they would quickly make her their Queen and restore her to her rightful
position."
"An able argument!" cried the Scarecrow. "I have no doubt that Mombi was
mixed up in this wicked business. But how does that knowledge help us?"
"We must find Mombi," replied Glinda, "and force her to tell where the girl
is hidden."
"Mombi is now with Queen Jinjur, in the Emerald, City" said Tip. "It was she
who threw so many obstacles in our pathway, and made Jinjur threaten to
destroy my friends and give me back into the old witch's power."
"Then," decided Glinda, "I will march with my
245
army to the Emerald City, and take Mombi prisoner. After that we can,
perhaps, force her to tell the truth about Ozma."
"She is a terrible old woman!" remarked Tip, with a shudder at the thought
of Mombi's black kettle; "and obstinate, too.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177