Ruth Plumly Thompson

“ You have never seen a more terrified and bewildered company. The screams of Irashi and his Guardsmen, as Reddy shot skyward, nearly deafened Betsy and Ozma. And as he began to pick up one and then another of the soldiers and take away their swords, their terror was pitiful. They crawled, ran, leaped, and tumbled in a wild scramble to get away, the Hungry Tiger snapping viciously at their heels and the airman helping them most efficiently with his iron boots. ”

“ The little fairy looked inquiringly at Reddy, but Reddy lifted his chin and fingering his sword lovingly, shook his head.
"A Prince should conquer his own enemies," declared the little boy bravely, "and after the way Irashi treated us, I really ought to conquer him."
"But can six people conquer a city?" gasped the airman rolling his eyes a big wildly. "In the sky it takes an army.
"I've seen one person conquer a city in Oz," boasted Betsy proudly. "Come on Red, I'll help you.
"So will I!" cried Carter Green, picking up a stout stick, "And we have the Rash rubies, remember!" ”

“ Every airman has a floating rib," confided Atmos blandly. "It helps them to float."
"Well, I think you are one of the most interesting persons I have ever met," cried Reddy, jumping to his feet. "And Carter's the other. Oh I do wish you would all stay in Rash. Won't you please stay? Betsy and Ozma can take turns being Queen, Carter can be royal gardener and the Hungry Tiger and Atmos can be anything they want." ”