Copyright (C) 2003 by Robert J. Evans.
Xlibris Publishing. You may order this book from the special order desk at your book store. ISBN No. 0-7388-2254-X(Hardcover). or ISBN No. 0-7388-2255-8 (Softcover) You can also order directly from the publisher.
Dorothy's Mystical
Adventures in Oz
By
Robert J. Evans
This book is dedicatedL. Frank baum, who was thefirst mortal to discoverThe marvelous land of Oz --and to my son, Robert Jr.,whose love of Oz inspiredthis story.
Contents
1. Market Day
2. Dorothy Reminisces on Oz
3. Dorothy Returns to Oz
4. The Pinheads
5. A Visit From The Wicked Witch of The Deep South
6. The Dainty Land of China
7. The Girrephalumps
8. Lion Country
9. The Mission Begins
10. A Philosophical Discussion
11. Octapongland
12. The Fuzzy Yellow Wogglebugs
13. Princess Saari's Colorland
14. Tickleland
15. Elfland
16. Thoughtformland
17. Americanindianland
18. UFOland
19. Americanpresidentland
20. Captured
21. A Surprising Reversal
22. A Political Discussion
23. At last, The Emerald City
*
Chapter One:
Market Day
*
It was a warm summer morning. Dorothy was sitting out on the frontporch, gently rocking back and forth in Aunt Em's rocking chair. Toto,her little dog, lay sleepily at her feet. Aunt Em and Uncle Henry werehustling and bustling inside the house, getting ready to go to market."Oh, Dorothy ..." called Aunt Em.No answer."Dorothy, do you hear me?"Still no answer.Aunt Em marched out on the porch. Toto, sensing trouble, scampered off,while Dorothy -- hearing Aunt Em's heavy footsteps, turned to see whatthe commotion was.Needless to say, Aunt Em did not look too pleased. She stood in front ofDorothy with her hands firmly planted on her hips."What is the matter with you, child? Didn't you hear me calling?"
"I'm sorry, Auntie Em."
"Were you sleeping?"
"Oh no, I wasn't asleep, Auntie. But ... well I was kind of thinkingabout things, and ... well ..."
Just then, Uncle Henry appeared. He was struggling with his collar.
"Would you help me with this, Em?" he asked.
"Just a minute, Henry," his wife answered.
She spoke sharply to the girl. "I'm afraid I don't understand you thesedays."
Dorothy looked up at her aunt with her big brown eyes. A hint of a tearappeared.
"I've tried to explain to you, Auntie."
Aunt Em just shook her head. "Now, I don't want to hear any more of yourtall tales, Dorothy. Not right now."
"We're running late, Em," interrupted Uncle Henry.
"All right," answered his wife. She turned back her niece. "You'd betterhurry and get yourself ready, young lady. We'll talk about this later."
Dorothy started to leave, then hesitated for a moment. "Auntie Em, couldI stay home today?"
Aunt Em looked surprised, for Dorothy usually looked forward to market day.
"Are you feeling poorly?" she asked, putting her hand on the girl'sforehead.
"I'm just a little tired," Dorothy replied weakly. "I don't think I'mquite up to walking around all day."
Aunt Em looked again at Uncle Henry who just shrugged his shoulders.
"Well ... all right," said Aunt Em. "But I want you to rest. Now, don'tleave the house. We'll be home around eight, I expect."
After Dorothy went inside, Aunt Em began to help Uncle Henry with hiscollar. He could see by the expression on Aunt Em's face that she wasvery much concerned.
"Aw, don't worry, Em," he said. "The girl's been through quite anordeal, with that twister an' all. She'll be fine bye an' bye. She justneeds plenty of rest."
"But she looks so pale," replied Aunt Em. "And what about the strangestories?"
"You mean about Oz?" asked Uncle Henry.
"Yes, Oz." Aunt Em replied. "How did she ever think up such a name?"
"It does seem strange," agreed Uncle Henry.
"And what about all the funny characters she says live there?" continuedAunt Em. "A talking scarecrow and lion, and a tin woodman of all things-- not to mention a wicked witch! That must be where her mind is; it'scertainly not here in Kansas."
"Now, Em," said Uncle Henry, "don't fret so. Dr. Gabriel told us not toworry, that she's temporarily confusing her dreams with reality --something to do with that bump on the head, he said. She'll come out ofit; she'll be her old self in no time -- you'll see."
Meanwhile, Dorothy decided she'd best do as her aunt had said, so shewent into her room and lay down on the bed to rest. She was justdrifting off when she heard the sound of horse hooves outside. Shequickly got up and waved from her window as Aunt Em and Uncle Henrydrove by in the wagon.
"Now don't wait up for us, Dorothy," called Aunt Em. "And be sure to getplenty of rest!"
"I will, Auntie," called Dorothy. "Have a good time!"
Just then, Toto jumped through the window into the girl's arms. Shefussed over him as she carried him back to her bed. The little dogcurled up at her feet and went to sleep.