The Road to Oz / Путешествие в Страну Оз. Книга для чтения на английском языке

) Что привело вас сюда], strangers?”

“Our legs, may it please your Royal Hairiness,” replied the shaggy man.

“What is your business here?” was the next question.

“To get away as soon as possible,” said the shaggy man.

The King didn’t know about the Magnet, of course; but it made him love the shaggy man at once.

“Do just as you please about going away,” he said; “but I’d like to show you the sights of my city and to entertain your party while you are here.

We feel highly honored to have little Dorothy with us, I assure you, and we appreciate her kindness in making us a visit. For whatever country Dorothy visits is sure to become famous.”

This speech greatly surprised the little girl, who asked:

“How did your Majesty know my name?”

“Why, everybody knows you, my dear,” said the Fox-King. “Don’t you realize that? You are quite an important personage since Princess Ozma of Oz made you her friend.”

“Do you know Ozma?” she asked, wondering.

“I regret to say that I do not,” he answered, sadly; “but I hope to meet her soon. You know the Princess Ozma is to celebrate her birthday on the twenty-first of this month.”

“Is she?” said Dorothy. “I didn’t know that.”

“Yes; it is to be the most brilliant royal ceremony ever held in any city in Fairyland, and I hope you will try to get me an invitation.”

Dorothy thought a moment.

“I’m sure Ozma would invite you if I asked her,” she said; “but how could you get to the Land of Oz and the Emerald City? It’s a good way[10 - It’s a good way – (разг.

) Это далеко] from Kansas.”

“Kansas!” he exclaimed, surprised.

“Why, yes; we are in Kansas now, aren’t we?” she returned.

“What a queer notion!” cried the Fox-King, beginning to laugh. “Whatever made you think this is Kansas?”

“I left Uncle Henry’s farm only about two hours ago; that’s the reason,” she said, rather perplexed.

“But, tell me, my dear, did you ever see so wonderful a city as Foxville in Kansas?” he questioned.

“No, your Majesty.”

“And haven’t you traveled from Oz to Kansas in less than half a jiffy[11 - in less than half a jiffy – (разг.) в мгновение ока], by means of the Silver Shoes and the Magic Belt?”

“Yes, your Majesty,” she acknowledged.