“Of course,” replied Dorothy, softly. “They are the Cloud Fairies.”

“They seem like openwork,” remarked the boy, gazing intently. “If I should squeeze one, there wouldn’t be anything left of it.”

In the open space between the clouds and the black, bubbling sea far beneath, could be seen an occasional strange bird winging its way swiftly through the air. These birds were of enormous size, and reminded Zeb of the rocs he had read about in the Arabian Nights. They had fierce eyes and sharp talons and beaks, and the children hoped none of them would venture into the cavern.

“Well, I declare!” suddenly exclaimed the little Wizard. “What in the world is this?”