20. Zeb Returns to the Ranch
Eurekawasmuchsurprisedtofindherselfindisgrace;butshewas,inspiteofthefactthatshehadnoteatenthepiglet.ForthefolksofOzknewthekittenhadtriedtocommitthecrime,andthatonlyanaccidenthadpreventedherfromdoingso;thereforeeventheHungryTigerpreferrednottoassociatewithher.EurekawasforbiddentowanderaroundthepalaceandwasmadetostayinconfinementinDorothy’sroom;soshebegantobeghermistresstosendhertosomeotherplacewhereshecouldenjoyherselfbetter.
Dorothywasherselfanxioustogethome,soshepromisedEurekatheywouldnotstayintheLandofOzmuchlonger.
ThenexteveningafterthetrialthelittlegirlbeggedOzmatoallowhertolookintheenchantedpicture,andthePrincessreadilyconsented.Shetookthechildtoherroomandsaid:"Makeyourwish,dear,andthepicturewillshowthesceneyoudesiretobehold."
ThenDorothyfound,withtheaidoftheenchantedpicture,thatUncleHenryhadreturnedtothefarminKansas,andshealsosawthatbothheandAuntEmweredressedinmourning,becausetheythoughttheirlittleniecehadbeenkilledbytheearthquake.
"Really,"saidthegirl,anxiously,"Imustgetbackassoonasposs’bletomyownfolks."
Zebalsowantedtoseehishome,andalthoughhedidnotfindanyonemorningforhim,thesightofHugson’sRanchinthepicturemadehimlongtogetbackthere.
"Thisisafinecountry,andIlikeallthepeoplethatliveinit,"hetoldDorothy.