The next morning the travelers passed through the forest and came to a steep hill.
"That will be a difficult climb," said the Scarecrow. "But over it we must go."
He had started up the hill when a rough voice said, "Keep back!"
"Who are you?" asked the Scarecrow.
"This hill belongs to us. You cannot cross it," said the voice again.
"But we must cross it," said the Scarecrow.
"You will not!" said a flat-headed, armless creature.
The Scarecrow did not fear such a helpless creature so he continued up the hill.
The creature's head struck the Scarecrow like a hammer, and the Scarecrow went tumbling down the hill.
The Hammer-Head called down, "Climbing the hill won't be as easy as you think."
As Dorothy helped the Scarecrow up, the Tin Man suggested, "Let's call the Winged Monkeys.
You can command them once more."
Everyone thought it was an excellent idea.
Dorothy put on the golden hat, spread her arms, and said, "By my command."
A moment later the King landed, bowed, and said, "What do you command?"
"Take us to the castle of Glinda, the Good Witch of the South," she answered.
"It shall be done," answered the King.
He and his Monkeys picked up the travelers and flew them south.
The King and his followers dropped Dorothy and her friends off in front of Glinda's castle.
Before the gate were three beautiful girls dressed in red.
As Dorothy approached, one of the girls asked, "Why have you come to Glinda's castle?"
"To see the Good Witch," answered Dorothy.
"What is your name? I will find out if she will see you," said the girl.
Dorothy and her friends gave their names, and soon they were admitted.
They were taken to a room in which a beautiful woman sat upon a ruby throne.
"What can I do for you, my child?" asked Glinda.
"My greatest wish is to return to Kansas," answered Dorothy.
"I can tell you how," said Glinda. "But I will need the golden hat."
"You can have it," said Dorothy gladly.
"Thank you," said Glinda, taking the hat from Dorothy.
"I think I will need its three commands."
"What will you do when Dorothy leaves?" Glinda asked the Scarecrow.
"I will return to the Emerald City," answered the Scarecrow.
"I can help," said Glinda.
"My first command to the Winged Monkeys will be for them to bring you there."
"Thank you," said the Scarecrow.
"What will you do when Dorothy leaves?" Glinda asked the Tin Man.
"I think the Winkies need me," said the Tin Man.
"I would like to return to the Land of the West."
"My second command to the Winged Monkeys will be for them to take you there," said Glinda.
"Thank you," said the Tin Man.
"What will you do when Dorothy leaves?" Glinda asked the Lion.
"I will return to the forest where the animals have made me their king," answered the Lion.
"My third command to the Winged Monkeys will be for them to take you there," said Glinda.
"Thank you," said the Lion.
"To the King of the Monkeys, I will give the golden hat," said Glinda.
"He has earned his freedom."
"Thank you for your kindness and for helping my friends," said Dorothy.
"But how will I get to Kansas?"
"Your silver shoes will take you there," said Glinda.
"Just click the heels three times and tell the shoes where you want to go."
Dorothy turned to the Good Witch and said, "Thank you for helping me and my friends return home."
The Good Witch smiled as Dorothy hugged each of her friends.
Then Dorothy held Toto in her arms and clicked the heels of her shoes three times.
"I want to go home," she said.
Suddenly everything began to spin.
When Dorothy opened her eyes, she saw Aunt Em sitting next to her.
"You're back," said Aunt Em.
"Yes, it took me so long," said Dorothy.
"I didn't know what the shoes could do."
"Shoes?" asked Aunt Em.
"Yes, the silver shoes from the Witch," answered Dorothy.
"There's no witch," said Aunt Em. "But the cyclone nearly killed you.
You are a very lucky girl."
"But it wasn't a dream!" shouted Dorothy.
"Dream or no dream," said Aunt Em. "I'm glad you're back."
[caption_out@