Волшебник страны Оз
The Guardian of the Gate
SheopenedalittledoorandDorothywalkedboldlythroughandfoundherselfinawonderfulplace. Itwasabig,roundroomwithahigharchedroof,andthewallsandceilingandfloorwerecoveredwithlargeemeraldssetcloselytogether. Inthecenteroftheroofwasagreatlight,asbrightasthesun,whichmadetheemeraldssparkleinawonderfulmanner.
ButwhatinterestedDorothymostwasthebigthroneofgreenmarblethatstoodinthemiddleoftheroom.Itwasshapedlikeachairandsparkledwithgems,asdideverythingelse. InthecenterofthechairwasanenormousHead,withoutabodytosupportitoranyarmsorlegswhatever. Therewasnohairuponthishead,butithadeyesandanoseandmouth,andwasmuchbiggerthantheheadofthebiggestgiant.
AsDorothygazeduponthisinwonderandfear,theeyesturnedslowlyandlookedathersharplyandsteadily. Thenthemouthmoved,andDorothyheardavoicesay:
"IamOz,theGreatandTerrible. Whoareyou,andwhydoyouseekme?"
ItwasnotsuchanawfulvoiceasshehadexpectedtocomefromthebigHead;soshetookcourageandanswered:
"IamDorothy,theSmallandMeek. Ihavecometoyouforhelp."
Theeyeslookedatherthoughtfullyforafullminute.Thensaidthevoice:
"Wheredidyougetthesilvershoes?"
"IgotthemfromtheWickedWitchoftheEast,whenmyhousefellonherandkilledher,"shereplied.
