The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

Chapter 17 How the Balloon was Launched

For three days, Dorothy heard nothing from Oz.

These were sad days for the little girl,

although her friends were all quite happy and contented.

The Scarecrow told them there were wonderful thoughts in his head, but he would not say what

they were because he knew no one could understand them but himself. When the Tin Woodman walked about he felt his heart rattling around in his breast and he told Dorothy he had discovered it to be a kinder and more tender and more tender heart than the one he had owned when he was made of flesh.

The lion declared he was afraid of nothing on earth and would gladly face an army or a dozen of the fierce

Kaleas. Thus each of the little party was satisfied except Dorothy who longed more than ever to get back to

Kansas. On the fourth day to her great joy Oz for her, and when she entered the throne room, he greeted her pleasantly.

Sit down, my dear. I think I have found the way to get you out of this country.

And back to Kansas?

Well, I'm not sure about Kansas.

For I haven't the faintest notion which way it lies.

But the first thing to do is cross the desert and then it should be easy to find your way home.

How can I cross the desert? Well, I'll tell you what I think.

You see, when I came to this country, it was in a balloon.

You also came through the air, being carried by a cyclone.

So I believe the best way to get across the desert will be through the air.

Now, it is quite beyond my powers to make a cyclone but I've been thinking the matter over and I believe I can make a balloon

How a balloon is made of silk which is coated with glue to keep the gas in it.

I have plenty of silk in the palace, so it will be no trouble to make the balloon.

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