*
Chapter Fifteen:
Elfland
*
"Well, what next?" asked Dorothy.
"Let's look at the map," said the Tin Woodman. "Ah, of course, Elfland.That is the last country shown on the map. The rest says, /largelyunexplored/ Maybe the Elves can tell us something of the land beyondtheir border."
As they entered Elfland, Dorothy remembered the Conciencez and wonderedif the Elves were similar.
As if in answer to her question, she felt a tug on her shoelace andheard a little voice squeaking, "Excuse me, but you're standing on my foot."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," exclaimed Dorothy. "I didn't see you," shesaid, as she bent down to pick the little fellow up. He was aboutfour-and-a-half inches tall and was clothed in a tightly fittedone-piece garment of a brownish color; he had large hands and feet, toolarge for the size of his body. His legs were thin and spindly, and hislarge ears were pointed, as was his nose. When Dorothy picked him up, hesaid, "I was sitting on my friend the rock. We were so deep inconversation that I didn't hear you coming."
"Excuse me," said Dorothy, "but did I hear you correctly? You weresitting on your friend the rock, having a conversation with him?"
The Elf replied, rather tartly, "You mortals are really something.You're practically deaf, dumb, and blind. In fact, a real deaf or blindmortal probably hears and sees more than a so-called normal one. Mostmortals are so caught up with the gaudy sights and loud sounds aroundthem that they do not see or hear the more subtle sights and sounds ofnature. A whole words exists of which they are totally unaware."
"Are you saying that rocks are alive?" interceded Dorothy.
The little Elf shook his head in disbelief. "All of creation is alive.There is no such thing as being /not alive/. If something was dead, itcouldn't exist."
"What about a dead animal?" said Dorothy. "Or fish? I had a goldfishthat I loved very much and, when he died, I was very sad."
"You shouldn't have been so sad," said the Elf. "All of creation ispulsating vibrant life energy of which the outer forms are constantlyundergoing change, but not one tiny atom of that living energy can bedestroyed. Ask any of your scientists if this is not true."
"But my goldfish did die," insisted Dorothy. "Any scientist wouldtestify to that."
"Of course," replied the Elf. "However, a scientist's understanding oflife energy ends with the physical death of the entity under study. Theouter appearance of your goldfish would indicate to him that thegoldfish had died. But appearances can be deceiving. The scientist knowsthat the atoms of the goldfish's /dead/ body are still in motion, andwill gradually formulate individual chemicals, gases, and minerals asthe body decays and returns to the earth. These atoms, you see, willeventually become part of some other living thing, perhaps or a floweror a tree."
"Is that what you mean when you say my goldfish is not really dead?"asked Dorothy. "That the atoms of its body are still in motion and willbecome a part of some other living thing?"
"No," replied the Elf. "That's not what I mean, although what you say istrue; the atoms of one's body will always be alive somewhere. But theseatoms are not any more you than they are a flower or any other thing.They are just the building blocks....
"Your feelings and your emotions -- your capacity to love, to hate: thisis all you. And this personality that is you can never die. It is notdependent on atoms for its existence. It just borrows them to make agarment so that it can function in the physical world, and while in thatgarment it will interact with other personalities and have theopportunity to learn and to grow through mutual experiences. The degreeto which it learns and grows will, of course, depend on the innerdesire. That inner desire for advancement is very strong in some -- yettotally nonexistent in others. It is the responsibility of those moreadvanced to assist those that are lagging behind, for it is mostimportant that each person's short excursion into the physical-mortalrealm not be wasted, for these are precious opportunities indeed."
"That is most interesting," replied Dorothy, "although I'm not sure thatI have understood all that you have said."
"You will in time," replied the Elf, kindly. "Now, regarding yourgoldfish: as I said before, he did not die. You only assumed that he didbecause his body was motionless. He is, in fact, quite alive."
"If he is alive, then where is he?" inquired Dorothy, looking ratherpuzzled.
"Ah, now, that is a good question," said the Elf. "But, before I cananswer it, let me explain about the rock, and about the other livingthings. All of the atoms which make up the physical world have acounterpart which cannot be seen. This counterpart takes up the sameposition in space as the atom, but extends slightly beyond it. The nameof this duplicate atom is 'ANIM.' I believe Princess Saari told youabout this."
Dorothy nodded.
"Your scientists are as yet unable to observe the ANIM, for theirinstruments are not sensitive enough. However, they have observed theeffects of the ANIM through their study of anti-matter. Anti-matter isexactly as the name implies -- the opposite of matter, and is thesubstance of which infinite worlds are made, worlds which are normallyunseen by people because of the fineness of their vibratory rate. Theultra-high frequencies of the ANIM world are simply unobservable by yourscientists, although some of your people who have very sensitive natureshave caught glimpses of these hidden worlds from time to time. Allpeople on earth are merely visiting the atom world. Their normalresidence is the ANIM world, but they have to enter into the dense atomworld for experiences that can only be obtained in such an environment.
"Now, when the atoms of your body began to form into molecules and cellsprior to your birth, the counterpart atoms called the ANIMs took theirplace first to form the various nuclei. These were the blueprints, so tospeak. The entire process is extremely delicate and, surprisingly,usually comes out perfect. However, sometimes outside electricalinfluences are brought into the process, one such example is theingestion of certain toxic chemicals by the host organism -- the mother.This can result in electrical interference. Remember, the whole processis electrical to begin with, so it doesn't take too much to upset theapple-cart. You may ask what directs the atoms to the various parts ofthe body to form the molecules that make up the different cells thatwill form the heart, the liver, kidneys, ears, eyes, teeth, bones, hair,arms, legs, and so on; and what puts them all in their right places? Andhow did each cell of the body, as it reproduced, know that it was to bea liver cell, heart cell, et cetera? Scientists refer to this built-inintelligence as genetic and, indeed, this is true. The genes determinethe physical makeup, the color of the eyes and hair, skin color, generalbuild, et cetera. But what force controls the overall process - the wayin which this genetic information is put together in the first place andthen passed on from generation to generation? What is the nature of thisliving energy that appears to have an intelligence all its own? Allforms of life are dependent on this life energy. Were it suddenly towithdraw, all life on earth would withdraw and traverse to the ANIMworld. The nature of this energy is pure light -- and it is what sustainslife on earth. Indeed, it sustains and directs life throughout theentire universe. Another name for this universal energy is 'Love.' Yetanother name is 'God.' For us, here in Oz, it is the Great Wizard."
"My goodness," said Dorothy. "I have never heard God explained in thatway before."
"I'm afraid that the general understanding of the Universal Intelligenceis very limited," sighed the Elf. "The American Indians were one peoplewho had a great understanding of this Great Spirit, for they were veryclose to Him through their deep awareness of the laws of nature. Theywere also highly evolved spiritually, that is before the white man triedto convert them to a religion which they themselves did not practice.
"However, to continue.... The atoms of your goldfish's body returned tothe earth, as you know. But, before that, the counterpart atoms were, ineffect, the counterpart body of your goldfish. When it was determined bythe soul of your goldfish that the physical body would no longer sustainlife, it seve
red the silver cord. The silver cord is the connecting linkbetween the two, and its primary function (other than to direct thevital life energy to the physical body) is to allow the ANIM body totravel away from the physical during sleep. But, once this cord isbroken, the physical body is cut off from its source of life energy anddies immediately. No power in heaven or earth can reconnect this silvercord once it is severed.
"Well, all you knew, of course, was that your goldfish died and you felta great sadness. Had you known that he was alive and well in anotherdimension, you would not have been quite so sad. Especially if, duringsleep, you could have visited him. Remember, your ANIM body functions onthe same level as his does, so, just before going to sleep at night, youcould ask your soul to take you to visit him. It takes a little practiceat first, especially to entrench the memory of these meetings into thememory region of the physical brain, but it can be done. You can meetwith anyone you like this way. It just takes determination and practiceand a conscious effort to remember the excursion upon awakening. Onceyou learn to do this, you will find yourself visiting with people youhave never met before. Many beautiful experiences await those who becomeaware of this other existence during sleep. Sleep is not just all dreamsand rest for the body -- although both are very necessary for physicaland mental health."
"Are you saying we live two lives simultaneously -- one on earth duringthe day, and one on the ANIM level at night?"
"That is true," replied the Elf. "There is no limit to what you might bedoing at night -- visiting people you love; attending schools,universities, lectures, and concerts; helping people such as the sick orthose on lower levels of development. Swimming, horseback riding, orplaying any number of sports; as I say, anything you can think of, youcan do. There is no awareness of these activities, because they occurduring the very deep levels of sleep and, as one approaches theshallower levels of sleep, the activities blend into dreams. So, ifanything is remembered, it is only little bits and pieces intermingledwith fragments of half-remembered dreams."
"How fascinating," said Dorothy.
"Yes, but also sad," said the Elf. "Mortals are basically mesmerized bythe material world. So much so that they have become about ninety-ninepercent unconscious of reality. The material world is not true reality,but is a shadow world created by the collective minds of the inhabitantsso they could experience a denseness and a harshness not found on thehigher levels. Now earth's inhabitants are trapped into an endless cycleof physical rebirth. And, until they can generate a genuine desire for ahigher spiritual existence, they are doomed to eternal pain and anguish.It is so sad."
The Elf shook his head. "Why mortals continue to endure a physicalexistence is beyond my comprehension. I suppose, because they have livedin the physical realm for so long, they have forgotten about the higherlife completely. Even though people from higher levels have enduredre-birth to remind them. People like Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed, justto mention a few. Oh, a few people listened to their words with theirhearts and changed their lives, but, for the most part, what was saidfell on deaf ears; and then, through the centuries, the message broughtby these masters became distorted. And now, very few people reallyunderstand what was said. They have twisted the true meaning to fitwhatever philosophies please them. Especially philosophies that do notrequire them to work hard in order to grow spiritually, or to sacrificetheir mortal pleasure and greed, or to dedicate their lives to theservice of their fellows. Yes, it is sad indeed. Some even believe thatall they have to do is to believe certain things and they will be savedfrom their mortal sins. But then they continue in the same old way,their hearts still filled with envy, resentment, greed, and jealousy.They use the spoken word in an unkind fashion to their fellow mortals ona daily basis. They are inconsiderate. They harbor dark thoughts. Yet,because they confess their sins and believe in one person asrepresenting God, they think they are saved. My! How they have blindedthemselves to reality. Meanwhile, various members of other religions (orno religion, even) who have made a concentrated effort to improve theirmortal ways have earned the right to no longer have to return to themortal realm.
"You see, /'By your works you shall be known'/ is a true statement. Thismeans far more than is realized. Well, I'm afraid that I am getting fartoo serious for you, my sweet young lady," said the Elf with a smile.
"Oh, no, that's all right," replied Dorothy. "I like to listen to you."
"Then perhaps one final thought on the subject," continued the Elf. "Ifyour fellow mortals would listen to the wisdom as given by people likethe man Jesus, and if they were to follow the directives to do good; toexpress love and forgiveness; to be kind and gentle and understanding ofone another; To serve their fellows with compassion, and to love theirGod (and/or Good) more than themselves, what a different place yourworld would be!"
The Elf fell silent for a moment as though contemplating all he hadsaid... Suddenly, his face lit up as he focused his attention on Dorothyagain. "Would you like to see your little goldfish?"
"Oh, would I!" said Dorothy excitedly.
"Well, follow me, then," the Elf said as he jumped up off the rock. Hemotioned everyone to be quiet as he parted some branches of a bush. Hethen indicated them to walk through. They found themselves in aclearing. It was a very busy scene, with lots of little Elves hurryingand scurrying to and fro' between their cute little houses nestledbetween an assortment of pretty trees and flowers. A beautiful fish pondoccupied the center of the clearing, and a waterfall cascaded down overthe rocks. Around the many beautiful lilies floating in the pond swamfish of every description, including, of course, several goldfish. TheElf motioned Dorothy to put one finger into the water. As she did so, alittle goldfish swam up to her finger and nibbled gently on it.
"It's my fish! It's my fish!" exclaimed Dorothy.
"Ssh, not so loud," hushed the Elf. "You won't scare the fish, for theyare not afraid here, but I don't want to attract the other Elves'attention just yet, or everything will come to a standstill around here."
So far, the other Elves had not noticed them. Everyone was so intent inhis occupation.
"We don't want them to get behind with their work, you know," said theElf. "Your little goldfish did recognized you, didn't he?"
"Oh, yes, he did," said Dorothy. "He certainly did. I will never be sadanymore over him."
"That's good," said the Elf. "You should try not to be so sad if someoneyou love dies, because they will feel your sadness. Of course, they feelthe pain of separation too. But they know that one day you will betogether again, and they don't want you to mourn, but to be happy thatthey've gone on to a better life."
"You see," the elf continued, "all forms of life are in a state ofevolution; not only physically, but spiritually, too. Unfortunately, notall evolve as fast spiritually as they do physically. Many of yourpeople have advanced greatly in science and knowledge, but thatadvancement is not balanced by spiritual knowledge. And so a great dealof unnecessary suffering exists. But, to get back to your little friendthe goldfish: he is evolving, too, and no form of life can advance verymuch in one short lifetime, so, after that quite short, often difficultlife spent on the mortal realm, everyone comes to a place like this fora long rest. Well, it's usually long, but can be short, too, dependingon the need. Then they must return for another round of experiences.Finally, one day, if their lessons are learned, they earn the right tolive in a place like our world forever, and no longer have to return tothat harsh land of yours."
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" cried Dorothy. "May I come to Elflandwhen I die?"
"Of course," replied the Elf. "But you must try to live as long as youcan first, and try to overcome all of the difficulties presented to you,and that overcoming will make you strong and will earn you a place inthis beautiful land of ours.
"Some people, unfortunately, cannot bear the difficulties that themortal life presents, and may, by their own hand, cut their lives shortto try to escape. But there is no real escape, for eventually, except inrare instances, they will have to face
that which they have sought toavoid. So why prolong the agony? Learn your lessons well -- and acceptgracefully all that happens. Be positive through the bad as well as thegood. No more than this is expected of you. Now, not to change thesubject, exactly. But would you like to look around?"
"Yes, we'd love to," replied Dorothy.
"All right," said the Elf. "But no talking to anyone until his work isdone."
"When will that be?" inquired Dorothy.
"Well ... actually ... never, but they'll be having a little breaksoon," replied the Elf, with a grin. "As you can see, we work very hardhere."
"Everyone seems so happy as they work," said Dorothy.
"It wasn't always this way," replied the Elf. "We used to be ruled by awicked king who used us as slave labor, but we broke away from thatwicked king and came here and started a new land. Now that we are freeto live as we wish, we pool our labor for the benefit of all."
"Are you the leader?" asked Dorothy.
"We don't have one," answered the Elf. "We do not allow any person orany group of people absolute power over the rest of us."
"How are things decided, then?" asked the Tin Woodman, who had beenlistening very intently.
"Well, we are not a big country," replied the Elf, "so we don't need afull-time government."
"You do have a government, then?" said the Scarecrow.
"Oh, yes," replied the Elf. "We do, but they don't have the power overthe people like other governments. Let me explain: any group of peoplecalled a government is only as good as the sum total of all theindividuals who make up that group. So, if the majority of theseindividuals are dedicated to the good of all, then the people will havea good government. If, however, the majority of these individuals arededicated only to the good of themselves and their own specialinterests, then the people are short-changed and the country isweakened. When a major decision has to be made which affects all of us,everyone's name is thrown into a hat, then twelve of those names aredrawn. These twelve are then given the task of formulating the plan. Allof the rest of us vote on this plan. If it passes by at least eightypercent of the vote, we assume that, since eighty or more out of ahundred Elves want it, it will probably be good for all of us. If itdoesn't pass, we urge all who voted 'no' to carefully restudy theproposal; then only these people vote again. Usually it passes thistime. If it doesn't, we ask those who voted 'no' again to write downtheir objections; then we rewrite the proposal and everyone votes again.The proposal very rarely fails this time. If any proposal fails by avery large margin, we just throw it out until a better plan isformulated. Usually everyone joins in with suggestions."
"It sounds quite simple," said Dorothy.
"It is," replied the Elf. "Our government is only in operation for onething at a time, so they don't try to think up new ways to control thepeople, and they don't act like an all-knowing parent and treat the restof us like little children and say /'You can't do this'/ or /'You can'tdo that'/ or /'You must do this'/ or /'You must do that/.' Since most ofus have voted '/yes'/ on everything, we ourselves have chosen to do thisor that, so we are happy to abide by the law, for we know it is for thegood of all us. We don't have that situation
where the few gain special concessions at the expense of the many."
"Well, it all sounds like a very fine arrangement," said Dorothy. "ButI'm afraid our society is far too complex for the same kind of arrangement."
"Only because you make it so," replied the Elf. "Too much mortal thoughtand not enough spiritual thought is the main problem with your system.By the way," he said, "we do not use money here. But we once did. And,when we did, we all paid ten percent of our earnings in taxes. In otherwords, we all paid an equal portion of our income, and no one wasallowed any deductions. Of course, now we don't use money anymore, so weare required to give ten percent of our goods or services. However,nobody abides by it because we all give more voluntarily. We have nogreed here, so we don't hoard vast amounts of goods and property. Wejust take what we need for today, for that's all anybody needs. Ifsomeone should feel he needs more -- our community warehouses are full.But, since there is plenty for everyone, nobody bothers to acquire awhole lot, or, if anyone does, he soon tires of it."
"What if someone is not content with one of these little houses youhave," asked Dorothy, "but wants to build a great big house on top ofthe hill?"
"No problem," replied the Elf. "He just makes his wishes known on thebulletin board in the town square, and everybody stops what he's doingand runs to help build the house. But most Elves like to live closetogether (we're very friendly). We enjoy each other's company, and arevery considerate of one another. We don't like to isolate ourselves fromour neighbors."
"Well, as I said, everyone seems so very happy," said Dorothy.
"Oh, yes," replied the Elf. "We work harder for each other than we dofor ourselves. There is great joy in helping someone else. People whoonly live to take from others have very heavy hearts and sad lives.Well, I must get back to work," said the Elf briskly. "It's been verynice meeting you all, and I do hope you will return again to see us."
"Thank you," said Dorothy.
"You've been very kind, and we enjoyed hearing your philosophy," saidthe Scarecrow.
"Well, thank you," said the Elf. "We try to keep life simple; if it getstoo complicated, too many problems start appearing."
"Oh, before you go," said Dorothy, "can you tell us aboutThoughtformland and Americanindianland?"
"Well, we're not a traveling people," said the Elf. "But I've heard muchconcerning these places. They are actually more closely related to myworld than to yours. There's a lot of strange things in Thoughtformland.They are created by the thoughts of mortals. You see, as a mortal idlyallows a certain thought or emotion to dominate his consciousness, achange takes place in his overall vibration. After that thought orfeeling is gone, his body returns to its normal vibration again;however, his normal vibration is now slightly changed to reflect thatlast thought, and it becomes easier to entertain that thought again.That is why, when someone begins to think of evil-doing or committing acertain crime, it's usually not too long before he actually commits thecrime. His vibration is a somewhat changed vibration than before thethought. That thought, in effect, has taken form in his consciousness.Since the thinker has exercised little control over his thoughts -- or,let's say, the emotion that accompanies a particular thought -- itbecomes easier for him to yield to that same thought again and again,and, each time he does, his changed vibration becomes more permanent,making it easier and easier for that thought to return and take hold.Before long, the thought is as much a part of him as anything else -- itis now part of his personality. Carrying out the physical activity thatthe thought portrayed is quite a normal thing for him to do. The thoughtform which he has created by these constant thoughts attracts to itselfsimilar thoughtforms created by others. These forms all influence thethinker so much that he cannot at this point resist. He is now more orless under the control of a force that he himself, with others, hascreated. He is no longer master of himself, but is a slave of hisoverall thoughts. So watch your thoughts. Keep them pure and loving;never allow them to dwell on wrong-doing. And, if one of those W.T.sdoes come into your head, sweep him out the door and tell him don't comeback."
"What's a W.T.?" asked the Scarecrow.
"Wrong Thought, my boy, Wrong Thought," said the Elf. "And, if someoneelse tries to put one in your head, pay not the slightest attention,just smile to yourself knowingly and walk away.
"Well, I really must go now," said the Elf. "But, before I do, here's alittle poem on the subject of being careful of your thoughts:"
BE CAREFUL
Be careful of your thoughts
For your thoughts become your words,
Be careful of your words
For your words become your actions.
Be careful of your ac
tions
For your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits
For your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character
For your character becomes your destiny.
"That really sums it all up beautifully," said Dorothy. "Who wrote that?
"I'm afraid the author is unknown," replied the Elf.
"Well, he must have been very wise, whoever he was," answered Dorothy."And thank you so much for everything. You have helped us a great deal.Oh!" she exclaimed.
"What's the matter?" asked the Elf.
"You were going to tell us about Americanindianland?" the girl reminded him.
"Oh, yes, of course," replied the Elf. "But before I do, I should tellyou a little story about pets. I think you'll like this, it encompassessome of what I have told you. The story is called /The Rainbow Bridge/."
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge is a land of meadows, hills and valleys-- all of it covered with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this lovely land. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. There, the old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole once again. They play all day with each other, content and comfortable. There is only one thing missing. They are not with the special person who loved them on earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! You have been seen, and that one suddenly runs from the group! You take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again. And you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then, together, you cross the Rainbow Bridge, never again to be separated.
As the story came to a close, everyone was crying. "Oh, how beautiful!"cried Dorothy. "If only all the children of the world who have lost apet could hear this. Although their sadness would still be great becauseof their loss, they would know that their pet is not really dead, andthat their separation is only for a little while."
"I knew you would enjoy hearing this special tale," replied the Elf."Now let's see.... What else were we going to discuss? Oh yes,Americanindianland." He closed his eyes and smiled happily while shakinghis head slowly. "I haven't been there, but I know all about it."
"Is it dangerous?" asked Dorothy, anxiously.
"Dangerous?" echoed the Elf. "My goodness, no! Just the opposite! Youwill be very warmly received in that land. Only good Indians live there,and most Indians were good, in spite of what the white man believed.Americanindianland is the happy hunting ground mentioned often by theIndians. The Indians, as you know, lived very close to nature. The whiteman believed them to be savages, but the Indian, in many ways, was farmore advanced than the white man who came to show him the way. Andbecause of the Indian's closeness to the earth and attunement withnature, he is well suited to working with and helping mortals. Many ofyou have unseen Indian guides who protect you and help you in manydifferent ways. They enjoy this work, and it helps them with their ownadvancement. Haven't you ever lost something, then found it in a placeyou've already looked?"
Dorothy nodded. "Yes, that has happened to me. I just assumed that Ionly thought I'd looked there before, or just hadn't noticed it there."
"Well, if you're not sure if you have an Indian guide, ask when you arein a quiet state to be assigned to one, then see if you can pick up hisname and tribe."
"Who assigns the Indian guides?" asked Dorothy.
"Sitting Bull is in charge of that," answered the Elf. "He works withthe High teachers. This work keeps him very busy, as you can imagine. Ofcourse, he lives in Americanindianland with all the guides. The guidesare made up from every tribe there is. They are wonderful beings andhave a great sense of humor. I hope you get to meet Sitting Bull. He isa beautiful illumined soul.
"Well, I really must be going this time," said the Elf. "Good luck toyou all," he said as he waved goodbye.
Dorothy said to the others, "I'm looking forward to seeingAmericanindianland, but I'm not so sure about Thoughtformland." They allnodded in agreement. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, came a loud scream.As they looked up, a chill ran through them all. It was the Wicked Witchof the Deep South, swooshing down on them on her broomstick.
"So, my pretty," she screamed at Dorothy. "Are you coming to kill me,too? Who's going to do it? Your scraggly stuffed friend?" She pointedher finger at the Scarecrow, and bolts of lightning shot from herfingers to explode around him. "Or maybe your brave little pussy-cat!"she said mockingly, as she did the same thing to the Lion and made himjump. "Or what about your tin-can friend?" she whined, shooting a boltof lightning above the Tin Woodman's head and creating a miniaturecloudburst over him, making him jump clear to escape the water. "I'll bewaiting for you, my little pretty," she screamed at Dorothy. "That's ifyou ever get through Thoughtformland. All my thoughts live there, youknow. And they just can't wait for your arrival." She burst into squealsof horrible laughter as she made a final swoop over their heads anddisappeared over the treetops. Everyone was shivering with fright.
"Why-why, th-th-that o-old b-b-biddy," stuttered the Tin Woodman."Who-who does she th-think she is?"
"She called me a pussy-cat!" said the Lion angrily. "I'll show her!" hesaid, putting up his paw-fists in a mock-fighting stance. He prancedaround, shadow-boxing, making Dorothy laugh. Her laughter eased thetension somewhat, although they were all rather apprehensive aboutcontinuing their journey toward Thoughtformland.
"If you'd rather not go on, Dorothy," the Tin Woodman said, hesitantly.
"Oh, no!" said Dorothy. "Love is stronger than hate. We will overcome.If we return now, the witch will have won. Evil will have overcome, andfear will be a part of your daily lives again. We must talk to theWicked Witch. We must reason with her."
"T-t-talk to her?" stammered the Scarecrow.
"Reason with her!" exclaimed the Tin Woodman.
"Do you know what you're saying, Dorothy?" said the Lion. "I knew one ofthe Winkies who used to work for her sister, and he told me that whenthis one used to come and visit her, she would rant and rave and screamand yell the whole time she was visiting. Nobody could just talk to her.Of course, her sister was just as bad. They were quite a pair together.I don't see how you could talk to her."
"Not only that," interceded the Scarecrow. "This one holds Dorothyresponsible for the death of her sisters."
"But it was an accident!" said Dorothy. "I had no control over where thecyclone chose to plop my house down, and when I threw the bucket ofwater over the other sister I was as surprised as anyone that the watermelted her away. Everyone knows I'm completely innocent"
"Everyone but her," said the Tin Woodman. "She believes that you killedher sisters on purpose. She wants revenge, there's no question about that."
"Oh, dear," said Dorothy, sitting down on a rock and cupping her head inher hands. "What are we going to do?"
"There, there. Don't be discouraged," said the Lion, putting his paw onDorothy's shoulder. "We must have courage, and trust that somewherewithin the murky depths of her being there is a spark of goodness notyet dead that can be kindled into a glowing ember."
"You're right," said Dorothy, standing up briskly. "If we give up now,we would never forgive ourselves; we must give it all we've got andforget our fears, like Daniel in the lions' den."