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Chapter Nineteen


tions," she cried in excitement. "Has my palace reached the Emerald City?" she asked breathlessly.

"Shake it three times," said Pompa, as Ozma looked in vain for her answer.

"Yes," stated the box after the third shake, and Ozma sighed with relief.

"I suppose you asked it if I were the Proper Princess mentioned in the scroll," she said, a bit shyly.

The Prince shook his head. "Knew without asking," said Pompa heavily.

"Do you mean to say you never asked it that?" gasped Ozma in disbelief. "Why, I am surprised at you." And before Pompa could object she shook the little box briskly. "Who is the Princess that Pompa must marry?" she demanded anxiously.

"The Princess of Sun Top Mountain," flashed the Question Box promptly. Then, as an afterthought, it added, "Trust the mirror and golden door knob!"

"Now, you see!" cried Ozma, jumping up in delight. "I wasn't the Proper Princess at all!"

Pompa smiled faintly, but without enthusiasm. The thought of hunting another Princess was almost too much. "I wish I could just take Peg Amy and Wag and go back to Pumperdink without marrying anybody," he choked bitterly.

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