The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-12-11
Dorothy Picks the Princess

They stood before the Royal Bush Of
the Managboos in silent admiration On
the central stalk stood poised the fig
ure nf girl so exquisitely formed and
colored and so lovely In the expression
of her delicate features, that Dorothy
thought she had never seen so sweet
and adorable creature in all her life.
The maiden's gown was soft as satin
and fell about her In ample folds. while
dainty lacelike traceries trimmed the
bodice and. sleeves. Her flesh was fine
and smooth as polished Ivory. and her1
poise expressed both dignity and grace.
Who Is this?" asked the Wizard,
curously
The Prince had been staring hard at
the girl on the bush. Now he answered,
with touch of uneasinegs in his cold
tones. Z
She is the Ruler destined TO be my
successor, for she Is a Royal Princess.
When she becomes fully ripe | must
boos TO her"
Isn't she ripe now" asked Dorothy,
He hesitated
Not quite" said he finally. ut will
be several days before she needs to be
picked, or at least that Is my judg-
ment. | am In no hurry to resign my
office and be planted, you may be sure"
Probably not" declared the Wizard
nodding.
things about our VEGETABLE lives" con-
tinued the Prince, with a sigh, that
while we are In our full prime we must
give way TO another. and be covered
up In the ground to sprout and grow
and give birth to other people"
I'm sure the Princess Ia ready to
be picked, asserted Dorothy, gazing
hard at the beautiful girl on the bush.
She's as perfect as she can be, y
Never mind answered the Prince
hastily. she win be all right for a
few days longer. and II liz best for me
to rule until can dispose Of you stran-
gers, who have come into our land I'M
invited and must be attended to at
once"
What are you going to do with usT'
asked Zeb
That is a matter have not quite
decided upon was the reply. II think
shall keen this Wizard until new
sorcerer Is ready to pick, for he seems
quite skillful and may be OF use to
US. But the rest of you must be de-
stroyed In some way, and you can not
be planted because | do not wish horses
and cats and meat people growing all
over our country"
You needn't worry" said Dorothy
we wouldn't grow under ground, I'm
sure
But why destroy my frends?" asked
the little Wizard why not let them
liver"
"1te.. no r,' haI4rr bore " ~otnrnNd
the Prince. They have no right to be
inade tnr eartn at all.
we didn't ask to come down here;
VIC fell said Dorothy
That is no excuse declared the
Prince. coldly
The children looked at each other In
perplexity, and the Wizard sighed. Eu-
reka rubbed her paw on her face and
said In her soft purring voice
"tle won't need to destroy me, for
| N | don't get something TO eat pretty
, soon | shall starFe TO death, and so
save him the trouble"
| III he planted you, he might grow
some cat-tails' suggested the Wizard
oh Eureka, perhaps we can find
| you some milkwoeds TO eat, said the
boy
"Phoo'" snarlcd the kitten; Il wouldn t
| touch the nasty things"
| you don't need milk, Eureka" re-
marked Dorothy; you are big enough
nov to eat any kind OF food
| III I can got IT, added Eureka,
I'm hungry myself" said Zeb, But
| | noticed some strawberries growing
| IN one OF the gardens. and some mel
ons IN another place. These people
| don't eat such things, SO perhaps on
our way back they viii let us get
| them,
Never mind your hunger" inter
| i7iptcd the Prince II shall order you
destroyed IN a few minutes, 80 you Will
have no need to ruin our pretty melon
vines and berry bushes Follow me,
| pleMse, 10 meet your doom,
| The words 81 the cold and moist veg
| ctnble Prince were not very comforting
| and as he spoke TO them he turned
away and leftNhe enclosure, The chill
| dren. feeling sad. respondent were
about 60 follow him when the Wizard
| touched Dorothy softly ON her shoulder
| Wait" he whispered
| what fnr9' nHked the girl
suppose We pick the Royal Prin-
csas' said the Wizard I'm quite sure
she's ripe, and aa noon az she comes
10 life she VII he the Ruler, and may
treat va bcttar than that heartless
| Prince lntrndH to
| An tlRht'' exclaimed Dorothy, Gag
| stly 't,eta pick her while we have
ths chance. before the man with the
| star comes back
aa toRrthcr they leaned over ths
| great bush and each OF them seized
| Hhs hand Of the lovely Princess.
'Fuii cried Dorothy, and as ihey
Old ~ ibn Royal Lady leaned towaro
| 'hsn sud the stems snapped and sepa,
| t#ttH ffnfn her feet She was not at ~
heavy 80 the Wizard and Dorothy
managed 10 MT her gently to the
KfYutia
Tas beautiful creature passed hel