Lady Aurex watched her curiously and, when Ozma had again entered the room and seated herself, she asked: "What have you done ?" "I've enchanted this house in such a manner that Queen Coo-ee-oh, with all her witchcraft, cannot hear one word we speak within the magic circle I have made," replied Ozma.

"We may now speak freely and as loudly as we wish, without fear of the Queen's anger." Lady Aurex brightened at this.
"Can I trust you ?" she asked.
"Ev'rybody trusts Ozma," exclaimed Dorothy.

"She is true and honest, and your wicked Queen will be sorry she insulted the powerful Ruler of all the Land of Oz." "The Queen does not know me yet," said Ozma, "but I want you to know me, Lady Aurex, and I want you to tell me why you, and all the Skeezers, are unhappy.

Do not fear Coo-ee-oh's anger, for she cannot hear a word we say, I assure you." Lady Aurex was thoughtful a moment; then she said: "I shall trust you, Princess Ozma, for I believe you are what you say you are--our supreme Ruler.

If you knew the dreadful punishments our Queen inflicts upon us, you would not wonder we are so unhappy.