Chapter I: Front Matter

THE WISHING HORSE OF OZ

By
RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON
Founded on and continuing the Famous Oz Stories

By
L. FRANK BAUM
"Royal Historian of Oz"

Illustrated by
JOHN R. NEILL

The Reilly & Lee Co.
CHICAGO
COPYRIGHT, 1935
by
The REILLY & LEE CO.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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_Dear Boys and Girls:_

_What could be more interesting than an Oz mystery? What, indeed? "Why," I can almost hear you shout, "Two Oz mysteries." And here you have them in this newest Oz story, two very mysterious mysteries to solve and ponder over and so many new Kingdoms and characters, I can hardly remember the proper spelling for their names._

_You will be glad to know that Dorothy has most of the strange adventures in this book and remember Pigasus? Well, I have long suspected Pigasus could be useful as well as poetical, and now that he has so convincingly proved his prowess (how do you like THAT word?) we'll have to treat him with more respect and dignity._

_Your letters all year have been grand and if I had the magic necklace mentioned in this story I would wish you three hundred and sixty-five days of happiness._

_But after all, I HAVE a magic necklace. Each boy or girl who reads the Oz books is one shining link in the friendly chain that holds us together. All friends and all for Oz._

_You believe in Oz and I'll believe in YOU
Ho, that's the stuff that's strong enough
To make my wish come true.

_So, happy year to you, dears. And next year? Ah well, who knows what will happen next year? Another Oz book maybe, if you still want one. Write me if you do, and best of everything wonderful to you all, always!_

RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON.
110 Schoolhouse Lane, Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH PRIDE AND AFFECTION

TO MABEL HAMMER ASSHETON

WHOSE GALLANT AND ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT SWEEPS LIKE A FRESHENING BREEZE THROUGH MY LIFE, TOUCHING IT AGAIN AND AGAIN WITH COLOR, VIGOR, INTEREST AND GAIETY. TO MABEL!!

Ruth Plumly Thompson

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LIST OF CHAPTERS

1 The King of Skampavia

2 The King and the Merchant

3 More About the Emeralds

4 The King and His Talking Horse

5 A Great Celebration in Oz

6 A Strange Warning

7 What Wizard?

8 Way for the Emperor!

9 The Journey Begins

10 The Witch of the Black Forest

11 Black Magic

12 Farewell to the Black Forest

13 In Kalico's Castle

14 The Emperor of Oz

15 The Dooners!

16 The Seer of Some Summit

17 Skamperoo in Oz

18 The Emperor's Horse Makes a Bargain

19 The Story of the Necklaces

20 Back in Skampavia