The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-08

fsfr. l. Frank Baum. who mas written
several very acceptable books Tor chlldren,
ans has won recognition as an author OF
fatty tales. has lately produced a story Tor
little children. entitled Dot and Tot OF
MesryIand." Dot and Tot, who are charac-
t~eristic American. children. find themselves
hesolessly adrift in a boat, and passing
thTbugh a dark tunnel concealed IN the
face Of a cliff ZONE Unexpectedly upon
thG, entrance 10 tie Seven N9ISys OF
Tylhnd, guarded by "A remarkable person
aga called The Watchdog Of Merryland.
Estaping this aT1iable creature the chll-
Gre,a drift down tie river and pass through
cd OF the Seyea Valleys. finding on the
way a succession Of marvels. BY permis-
sfo,I OF the publishers, George NJ Hll
Coz Of Chicago. RE Journal here produces
a chapter from tie book-l
F5ippitynop's house proved to be one big
room. built under the platform, and lighted
by a soft glow from hidden electric lamps.
The walls were covered with bright yellow
suIs hangings and on the floor was a Grim
son: carpet. All around the sides were wide
berlches with soft cushions OF purple vel
vet, and near the. middle Of the room was
a gmalI table Of blue and silver. On the
wa4s Dot noticed several gaudily colored
pictures OF Clowns, and when Flippityiop
saw the children looking at these pictures
he said:
'"those are portraits Of my father and
graadfather and great-gfandfather. They
we're all Princes 9f this Valley Of Merry
lana, as well as. good men and clever
Clowns. Therefore / am proud of them"
They look very jolly" said Dot.
"fhey were jolly. and proved a comfort
to thousands Of children. But you must be
hungry. and 1 trust you viii allow me TO
Offer you some dinner. What Will you
ha,e?T
eJvhat you got?s' inquired Tot.
"sVeII. L have in my cupboard some fried
golt fish, boiled buttercups and picked
sho, laces. ne answered.
'ion't want any said Tot.
these seem rather foolish things to
eat remarked Dot.
"Cf course. they are foolish things
agr:ed FIippitynep. cheerfully. Every
thiIS We do here lis foolish. You certainly
can't expect wisdom in a country OF
Clowns
.t:ourse not. said Tot.
II you'll send a the boat for our basket,
/ tsnk we will Prefer to eat the things
We brought with Us" declared Dot.
Certainly" an wered the Prince, and
Immediately sticking his head through the
traTs-door. he asked a Clown who stood
OUTSIDE 10 Ielcn the basket.
1t came in a remarkably short time, and
theIs Flippityhop assisted Dot to lay the
CLOTH on the blue and silver table, when the
children proceedes To eat of the sand
wicLes. cake and apple tarts that remained
in III basket.
"v{ ouldn't you like something to drink"
asked the Prince.
"I,am rather thirsty" admitted Dot;
hate YOU any mik%'
No. we do not Use milk in this valley"
Re answered. But we have some excellent
green paint. or. If YOU prefer il. L can give
you y bottle Of red mucilage."
NJ. thank you, said Dot; I've couldn't
drink those. Perhaps you viii bring us
some fresh water from the river"
BIT the water s quite wet" exclaimed
the fClown. and is liable TO make you
damp. Surely you won think Of drink
ing t,r'
%. yes; we're accustomed to drinking
water. said the girl.
So:the water was sent for and Dot and
Tot ,tc0k long anc refreshing drinks, al