The golden curtains drew back far enough to make an opening, through
which marched the captain with the others.
The broad, long room they entered was decorated in gold with
stained-glass windows of splendid colors. In the corner of the room
upon a richly carved golden throne, sat the fox-king, surrounded by a
group of other foxes, all of whom wore great spectacles over their
eyes, making them look solemn and important.
Dorothy knew the King at once, because she had seen his head carved on
the arch and over the doorway of the palace. Having met with several
other kings in her travels, she knew what to do, and at once made a
low bow before the throne. The shaggy man bowed, too, and
Button-Bright bobbed his head and said "Hello."
"Most wise and noble Potentate of Foxville," said the captain,
addressing the King in a pompous voice, "I humbly beg to report that I
found these strangers on the road leading to your Foxy Majesty's
dominions, and have therefore brought them before you, as is my duty."
"So--so," said the King, looking at them keenly. "What brought you
here, 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.
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