"One minute I was outside
of Oz--and the next minute I was inside! That was
enough to give me a nervous shock, as you may
guess; but to find myself able to talk, as Betsy
does, is a marvel that staggers me."
"That is because you are in the Land of Oz,"
said the Sawhorse. "All animals talk, in this
favored country, and you must admit it is more
sociable than to bray your dreadful 'hee-haw,'
which nobody can understand."
"Mules understand it very well," declared Hank.
"Oh, indeed! Then there must be other mules in
your outside world," said the Tiger, yawning
sleepily.
"There are a great many in America," said Hank.
"Are you the only Tiger in Oz?"
"No," acknowledged the Tiger, "I have many
relatives living in the Jungle Country; but I am
the only Tiger living in the Emerald City."
"There are other Lions, too," said the Sawhorse;
"but I am the only horse, of any description, in
this favored Land."
"That is why this Land is favored," said the
Tiger. "You must understand, friend Hank, that the
Sawhorse puts on airs because he is shod with
plates of gold, and because our beloved Ruler,
Ozma of Oz, likes to ride upon his back."
"Betsy rides upon my back," declared Hank
proudly.
"Who is Betsy?"
"The dearest, sweetest girl in all the world!"
The Sawhorse gave an angry snort and stamped his
golden feet. The Tiger crouched and growled.
Slowly the great Lion rose to his feet, his mane
bristling.
"Friend Hank," said he, "either you are mistaken
in judgment or you are willfully trying to deceive
us.
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