But Ozma only smiled at the angry Princess.
"Sit down, please," she said, quietly. "I have traveled a long way to
see you, and you must listen to what I have to say."
"Must!" screamed the Princess, her black eyes flashing with fury--for
she still wore her No. 17 head. "Must, to ME!"
"To be sure," said Ozma. "I am Ruler of the Land of Oz, and I am
powerful enough to destroy all your kingdom, if I so wish. Yet I did
not come here to do harm, but rather to free the royal family of Ev
from the thrall of the Nome King, the news having reached me that he
is holding the Queen and her children prisoners."
Hearing these words, Langwidere suddenly became quiet.
"I wish you could, indeed, free my aunt and her ten royal children,"
said she, eagerly. "For if they were restored to their proper forms
and station they could rule the Kingdom of Ev themselves, and that
would save me a lot of worry and trouble. At present there are at
least ten minutes every day that I must devote to affairs of state,
and I would like to be able to spend my whole time in admiring my
beautiful heads."
"Then we will presently discuss this matter," said Ozma, "and try to find
a way to liberate your aunt and cousins. But first you must liberate
another prisoner--the little girl you have locked up in your tower.
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