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There was a sharp thrust of his good sword, then an explosion like twenty giant firecrackers in one, and the room became quite black with smoke. Before anyone realized what had happened, Sir Hokus was back, dragging something after him and shouting exuberantly, "A dragon! I have slain a dragon! What happiness!"
"Very good," said Sir Hokus with a wink at Dorothy. "Next time, don't come at all," mumbled Sticken Plaster, his mouth full of biscuit. "And you wanted?" the King asked uneasily. "Dinner for three," said the Knight promptly and with another bow. "Now that's talking." The King looked admiringly at Sir Hokus. "This Little With D had matters all tangled up. One time at a thing! That's my motto!"
He felt he must live up to the song somehow. "Perhaps we'll find a sign." "I don't believe in signs anymore," laughed Dorothy, "but I'm coming too." Sir Hokus' song had cheered them all, and it wasn't the first time the Knight had helped make the best of a tiresome journey. "The air seemeth to grow very hot," observed Sir Hokus after they had walked along silently for a time.
But Dorothy picked up the nearest little clock and handed it to King Fix Sit. "I thought so," yawned the King, pointing at the clock. At this, everybody began ringing bells till Dorothy was obliged to cover her ears. In an instant, the whole street was filled with beds, "rolling up just as if they were taxis," laughed Dorothy to Sir Hokus.
Everybody started on a run for the palace, Sir Hokus ahead of all the rest. The fan had mysteriously returned to Dorothy's pocket. The three animals had fallen into a huge cluster of rose bushes and, though badly scratched and frightened, were really unhurt. "I doubt that I'll like Oz," quavered the Doubtful Dromedary, lurching toward Sir Hokus.
"Have you had breakfast?" asked Dorothy, joining her friends. "We were waiting for your Ladyship," chuckled the Cowardly Lion. "Would you mind ordering two for me, Hokus? I find one quite insufficient." Sir Hokus threw away the pillowslip, and talking cheerfully they walked toward King Fix Sit's circle. The beds had been replaced by breakfast tables, and the whole street was eating busily.
The Cowardly Lion, the Camel and Dromedary and Sir Hokus peered anxiously at the little girl, wondering what in the world was going to happen. Being wished around is no joke. For five minutes Dorothy thought and thought. Then, standing in the middle of the road, she made her wish in a clear, distinct voice. It was not a very long wish. To be exact, it had only eight words.
"They're friends, and we've found the Scarecrow, we've found the Scarecrow!" She seized Sir Hokus and shook him till his armor rattled. "Tappy! Tappy!" called the Scarecrow. "Where in the world did he pagota?" That's exactly what he said, but to Dorothy it sounded like no language at all. "Why," she cried in dismay, "it's the Scarecrow, but I can't understand a word he's saying!"
They knew it must be a city because a huge, lighted sign hung over the gate. "Fix City," read Dorothy. "What a funny name!" "Maybe they can fix us up," rumbled the lion, winking at Sir Hokus. "Perchance we shall hear news of the valiant Scarecrow!" cried the Knight, and limping forward he thumped on the gate with his mailed fist.
"Don't forget me, dear Karwan Bashi," wheezed the Comfortable Camel, putting his head on the Knight's shoulder. "You're a sentimental dunce, Camy. I doubt whether they'll take us at all!" The Doubtful Dromedary looked wistfully at Dorothy. "Go to, now!" cried Sir Hokus, putting an arm around each neck. "You're just like two of the family!"
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