Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-07-13

cause they had Just passed out of the
forest and their attention was fixed
upon the scene before them-a beau
tiful vale In which were many fruit
trees and green fields, with pretty
farmhouses scattered here and there
and broad, smooth roads that led in
every direction.
In tho center Of this lovely vale.
about a mile from where our friends
were standing, rose the tall spires of
the royal palace. which glittered
brightly against their background of
blue sky. The palace was surrounded
by charming grounds. full of flowers
and shrubbery. Several tinkling foun-
tains could be seen. and there were
pleasant walks bordered by rows of
white marble statuary.
All of these details Dorothy was. Of
course. unable to notice or admire
until they had advanced along the
road to position quite near to the
palace. and she was still looking at
the pretty sights when her little par
ty entered the grounds and ap-
preached the big front door of the
kings own apartments. To their dis
appointment they found the door
tightly closed. A sign was tackled to
the panel which read as follows:
OWNER ABSENT.
Please Knock at the Third Door in
the Left Wing.
Now" said Tiktok to the captive
Wheeler. you must show US the way
to the len wing"
Every we'll: agreed the prisoner.
ut is around here at the right"
How can tho left wing be at the
riGhtr demanded Dorothy. who
feared the Wheeler was fooling them.
Because there used to be three
wings. and two were torn down, SO
the one on the right is the only one
left. It Is trick Of the Princess
Langwi6ere to prevent visitors from
annoying her"
Then the captive led them around
to the wing, after which the machine
man, having no further use for tho
Wheeler. permitted him to depart and
rejoin his fellows. He Immediately
soon lost to sight.
Tiktok now counted the doors in
the wing and knocked loudly upon
the third one.
1t was opened by a little maid in
cap trimmed with gay ribbons, who
bowed respectfully and asked:
What do you wish, good people?"
Are you the Princess Langwidere?
asked Dorothy.
mo. miss: am her servant" re-
piled the maid
May see the Princess, pleaseY'
i will tell her you are here. miss.
and ask her to grant you an audi
ence," said the maid. "Step in.
please. and take a seat in the draw
ing-room."
So Dorothy walked in. followed
closely by the machine. But,as tba
yellow hen tried to enter after them.
the little maid cried Shoot" and
Mapped her apron in Billina's face.
shoo, yourself" retorted the hen.
drawing back in anger and ruftiinp m
her feathers. Haven't you any bet
ter manners than that?"
on do you talk?' inquired the
maid. evidently surprised.
81 ~ sE II
cant you hear me?" snapped Bill
INA. Drop that apron and get out
Oh the doorway SO that may enter
with my friendsI"
The Princess won't like it," said III.
maid, hesitating.
don't care whether she likes ~ mr.
not" replied Blllina, and futter,ns h.r
wings with loud noise she flew str..,oht
at the maids face The little servant Mt
once ducked her head. and the hen
reached Dorothy's side in safety
very WELL" sighed the maid: .4f vo,,
are all ruined because of this obst,.
nate hen, don't blame me for IT, II isn.k
safe to annoy the Princess Langwidere -
Tell her we are waiting, IL YOU
please" Dorothy requested with dignity.
'billina Is my friend. and must 20
wherever I CO."
without more words the maid led
them to richly furnished drawing
room, lighted with subdued rainbosy
tints that came in through beautiful
stained glass windows.
Remain here.' she said. what
70 oil IN r otx 4. nj.