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Chapter Four


gant Elephant gave the Prince a playful poke with his trunk. "I've brought all my jewels as gifts and the magic mirror and door knob as well. If she refuses you and the worst comes to the worst"—Kabumpo cleared his throat gravely—"well—just leave it to me!"

After a bit more coaxing and after eating the breakfast Kabumpo had thoughtfully brought along, Pompa allowed the Elegant Elephant to lift him on his head and off they set at Kabumpo's best speed for the Emerald City of Oz.

Neither the Prince nor the Elegant Elephant had ever been out of Pumperdink, but Kabumpo had found an old map of Oz in the palace library. According to this map, the Emerald City lay directly to the South of their own country. "So all we have to do is to keep going South," chuckled Kabumpo softly. Pompadore nodded, but he was trying to recall the exact words of the mysterious scroll:

"Know Ye, that unless ye Prince of ye ancient and honorable Kingdom of Pumperdink shall wed ye Proper Fairy Princess in ye proper span of time ye Kingdom of Pumperdink shall disappear forever and even longer from ye Gilliken Country of Oz. J. G."

Pompadore repeated the words solemnly; then fell

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