Chapter 2
part company—but you needn’t look forward to
it; we'll discover the fact ourselves, and notify you.
But come! Let us resume our journey. I am anxious
to greet my friend the Tin Woodman.”
&o they remounted the Saw-Horse, Tip holding
to the post, the Pumpkinhead clinging to Tip, and
the Scarecrow with both arms around the wooden
form of Jack.
224
ee.
TIP STUFFS THE » .€CROW WITH DRY STRAW.
The Journey to the Tin Woodman
“Go slowly, for now there is no danger of pur-
suit,” said Tip to his steed.
“All right!” responded the creature, in a voice
rather gruff.
“Aren’t yju a little hoarse?” asked the Pump-
kinhead- politely.
The Saw-Horse gave an angry prance and rolled
one knotty eye backward toward Tip.
“See here,” he growled, “can’t you protect me
from insult?”
“To be sure!” answered Tip, soothingly. «I am
sure Jack meant no harm. And it will not do for
us to quarrel, you know; we must all remain good
friends.”
«T’ll have nothing more to do with that Pump-
kinhead,” declared the Saw-Horse, viciously; “he
loses his head too easily to suit me.”
There seemed no ftting reply to this speech, so
for a time they rode along in silence.
After a while the Scarecrow remarked:
«This reminds me of old times. It was upon this
grassy knoll that I once saved Dorothy from the
Stinging Bees of the Wicked Witch of the West.”
« Do Stinging Bees iniure pumpkins?” asked Jack,
glancing around fearfully.
«They are all dead, so it doesn’t matter,” replied
116
The Journey to the Tin Woodman
eee COSMAD
the Scarecrow. “And here is where Nick Chopper
destroyed the Wicked Witch’s Grey Wa. ves.”
“Who was Nick Chopper?” asked Tip.
«That is the name of my friend the Tin Wood-
man,” answered his Majesty. «And here is where
the Winged Monkeys captured and bound us, and
flew away with little Dorothy,” he continued, after
they had traveled a little way farther.
“Do Winged Monkeys ever eat pumpkins?”
asked Jack, with a shiver of fear.
“I do aot know; but you have little cause to
worry, for the Winged Monkeys are now the slaves
of Glinda the Good, who owns the Golden Cap
that commands their services,” said the Scarecrow,
reflectively,
Then the stuffed monarch became lost in thought
recalling the days of past adventures. And the Saw-
Horse rocked and rolled over the flower-strewn
fields and carried its riders swiftly upon their way.
Twilight fell, bye and bye, and then the dark
shadows of night. So Tip stopped the horse and
they all proceeded to dismount.
“I’m tired out,” said the boy, yawning wearily;
“and the grass is soft and cool. Let us lie down
here and sleep until morning.”
117
The Journey to the Tin Woodman
«I can’t sleep,” said Jack.
«I never do,” said the Scarecrow.
«I do not even know what sleep is,” said the
Saw-Horse.
«Still, we must have consideration for this poor
boy, who is made of flesh and blood and bone, and
gets tired,” suggested the Scarecrow, in his usual
thoughtful manner. «I remember it was the same
way with little Dorothy. We always had to sit
through the night while she slept.”
«I’m sorry,” said Tip, meekly, “but I can’t help
it. And I’m dreadfully hung-y, too!”
« Here is a new danger!” remarked Jack, gloomily.
“I hope you are not fond of eating pumpkins.”
«“ Not unless they’re stewed and made into pies,”
answered the boy, laughing. «So have no fears of
me, friend Jack.”
«What a coward that Pumpkinhead is!” said the
Saw-Horse, scornfully.
“You might be a coward yourself, if you knew
you were liable to spoil!” retorted Jack, angrily.
«“ There! —there!” interrupted the Scarecrow;
«don’t let us quarrel. We all have our weaknesses,
dear friends; so we must strive to be considerate of
one another. And since this poor boy is hungry
and has nothing whatever to eat, let us all remain
118
The Journey to the Tin Woodman
quiet and allow him to sleep; for it is said that in
sleep a mortal may forget even hunger.”
«Thank ih ” exclaimed Tip, gratefully. “Your
Majesty is fully as good as you are wise—and that
is saying a good deal!”
He then stretched himself upon the grass and,
using the stuffed form of the Scarecrow for a pillow,
was presently fast asleep.
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Nickel Plated ?
Tip awoke soon after dawn, but the Scarecrow
had already risen and plucked, with his clumsy fin-
gers, a double-handful of tipe berries from some
bushes near by. These the boy ate greedily, finding
them an ample breakfast, and afterward the little
party resumed its journey.
After an hour’s ride they reached the summit of a
ill from whence they espied the City of the Winkies
and noted the tall domes of the Emperor’s palace
rising from the clusters of more modest dwellings,
The Scarecrow became greatly animated at this
tight, and exclaimed:
“How delighted I shall be to see my old friend
the Tin Woodman again! I hope that he rules his
people more succes “ully than I have ruled mine!”
“Is the Tin Woodman the Emperor of the
Winkies?” asked the horse.
“Yes, indeed. Tuey invited him to rule over
121
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
them soon after the Wicked Witch was destroyed;
and as Nick Chopper has the best heart in all the
world I am sure he has proved an excellent and
able emperor.”
«1 thought that Emperor’ was the title of a per-
son who rules an empire,” said Tip, «and the Coun-
tr. of the Winkies is only a Kingdom.”
«Don’t mention that to the Tin Woodman!”
exclaimed the Scarecrow, earnestly. “You would
hurt his feelings terribly. He is a proud man, as
he has every reason to be, and it pleases him to be
termed Emperor rather than King.”
«]’m sure it makes no difference to me,” replied
the boy.
The Saw-Horse now ambled forward at a pace
so fast that its riders had hard work to stick upon
its back; so there was little further conversation
until they drew up beside the palace steps.
An aged Winkie, dressed in a uniform of silver
cloth, came forward to assist them to alight. Said
the Scarecrow to this personage:
«Show us at once to your master, the Emperor.”
The man looked from one to another of the
party in an embarrassed way, and finally answered:
«1 fear I must ask you to wait for a time. The
Emperor is not receiving this morning.”
122
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
aieninsenien eee ale
“How is that?” enquired the Scarecrow, anx-
iously. «1 hope nothing has happened to him.”
«Oh, no; nothing serious,’ returned the man.
“But this is his Majesty’s day for being polished,
and just now his august presence is thickly smeared
with putz-pomade.”
“Oh, I sec!” cried the Scarecrow, greatly reas-
sured. “My friend was ever inclined to be s dandy,
and I suppose he is now more proud than ever of
his personal appearance.”
“He is, indeed,” said the man, with s polite bow.
“Our mighty Emperor has lately caused himself to
be nickel-plated.”
“Good Gracious!” the Scarecrow exclaimed at
hearing this. «If his wit bears the same polish,
how sparkling it must be! But show us in——I'm
sure the Emperor will receive us, even in his present
state.”
“The Emperor's state is always magnificent,”
said the man. «But I will venture to tell him of
your arrival, and will receive his commands con-
cerning you.”
So the party followed the servant into a splendid
ante-room, and the Saw-Horse ambled awkwardly
after them, having no knowledge that a horse might
be expected to remain outside.
123
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
The travelers were at first somewhat awed by
their surroundings, and even the Scarecrow seemed
impressed as he examined the rich hangings of silver
cloth caught up into knots and fastened with tiny
silver axes. Upon a handsome center-table stood
a large silver oil-can, richly engraved with scenes
from the past adventures of the Tin Woodman,
Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow:
the lines of the engraving being traced upon the
silver in yellow gold. On the walls hung several
portraits, that of the Scarecrow seeming to be the
most prominent and carefully executed, while a
large painting of the famous Wizard of Oz, in the
act of presenting the Tin Woodman with a heart,
covered almost one entire end of the room.
While the visitors gazed at these things in silent
admiration they suddenly heard a loud voice in the
next room exclaim:
«Well! well! well! What a great surprise!”
And then the door burst open and Nick Chopper
rushed into their midst and caught the Scarecrow
in a close and loving embrace that creased him into
many folds and wrinkles.
“My dear old friend! My noble comrade!”
cried the Tin Woodman, joyfully; «how delighted
I am to meet you once again!”
124
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A Nickel-Plated Emperor
And then he released the Scarecrow and held him
at arms’ length while he surveyed the beloved,
painted features.
But, alas! the face of the Scarecrow end many
portions of his body bore great blotches of putz-
pomade; for the Tin Woodman, in his eagerness to
welcome his friend, had quite forgotten the condi-
tion of his toilet and had rubbed the thick coating
of paste from his own body to that of his comrade.
« Dear me!” said the Scarecrow, dolefully. «What
a mess I’m in!”
« Never mind, my friend,” returned the Tin Wood.
man, «I'll send you to my Imperial Laundry, and
you'll come out as good as new.”
«Won't I be mangled?” asked the Scarecrow.
«No, indeed!” was the reply. «But tell me, how
came your Majesty here? and who are your com-
panions?”
The Scarecrow, with great politeness, introduced
Tip and Jack Pumpkinhead, and the latter personage
seemed to interest the Tin Woodman greatly.
“You are not very substantial, I must admit,”
said the Emperor; «but you are certainly unusual,
and therefore worthy to become a member of out
select society.”
«J thank your Majesty,” said Jack, humbly.
226
“I hope you are enioving good hea'th?” con-
tinued the Woodman.
“At present, yes;” replica the Pumpkinhead, with
a sigh; “but I am in constant terror of the day when
I shall spoil.”
“Nonsense!” said the Emperor— but in a kindly,
sympathetic tone. «Do not, I beg of you, dampen
today’s sun with the showers of tomorrow. For
before your head has time to spoil you can have it
canned, and in that way it may be preserved indef-
initely.”
Tip, during this conversation, was looking at
the Woodman with undisguised amazement, and
noticed that the celebrated Emperor of the Winkies
‘vas composed entirely of pieces of tin, neatly soldered
127
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
and riveted together into the form of a man.
He rattled and clanked a little, as he moved, but
in the main he seemed to be most cleverly con-
structed, and his appearance was only marred by
the thick coating of polishing-paste that covered
him from head to foot.
The boy’s intent gaze caused the Tin Woodman
to remember that he was not in the most present-
able condition, so he begged his friends to excuse
him while he retired to his private apartment and
allowed his servants to polish him. This was accom-
plished in a short time, and when the Emperor re-
turned his nickel-plated body shone so magnificently
that the Scarecrow heartily congratulated him on
his improved appearance.
«That nickel-plate was, I confess, a happy
thought,” said Nick; “and it was the more neces-
sary because I had become somewhat scratched dur-
ing my adventurous experiences. You will observe
this engraved star upon my left breast. It not only
indicates where my excellent heart lies, but covers
very neatly the patch made by the Wonderful Wiz-
ard when he placed that valued organ in my breast
with his own skillful hands.”
“Is your heart, then, a hand-organ?” asked the
Pumpkinhead, curiously.
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
ete emperor
“By no means,” responded the Emperor, with
dignity. «It is, I am convinced, a strictly orthodox
heart, although somewhat larger and warmer than
most people possess.”
Then he turned to the Scarecrow and asked:
“Are your subjects happy and contented, my
dear friend?”
“I cannot say,” was the reply; “for the girls of Oz
12 € risen in revolt and driven me out of the Emer.
ald City.”
“Great Goodness!” cried the Tin Woodman.
“What a calamity! They surely do not complain
of your wise and gracious rule?”
“No; but they say it is a poor rule that don’t
work both ways,” answered the Scarecrow; “and
these femaies are also of the opinion that men have
ruled the land long enough. So they have captured
my city, robbed the treasuzy of all its jewels, and
>
are running things to suit themselves,’
“Dear me! What an extraordinary idea!” cried
the Emperor, who was both shocked and surprised.
“And I heard some of them say,” said Tip, “that
they intend to march here and capture the castle
and city of the Tin Woodman.”
“Ah! we must not give them time to do that,”
scid the Emperor, quickly ; «we will go at once ang.
129
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recapture the Emerald City and place the Scarecrow
again upon his throne.”
“I was sure you would help me,” remarked the
Scarecrow in a pleased voice. «How large an army
can you assemble?”
“We do not need an army,” replied the Woodman.
“We four, with the aid of my gleaming axe, are
enough to strike terror into the hearts of the rebels.”
“We five,” corrected the Pumpkinhead.
“Five?” repeated the Tin Woodman.
“Yes; the Saw-Horse is brave and fearless,” an-
swered Jack, forgetting his recent quarrel with the
quadruped.
The Tin Woodman looked around him in a puz-
zled way, for the Saw-Horse had until now remained
quietly standing in a corner, where the Emperor had
not noticed him. Tip immediately called the odd-
looking creature to them, and it approached so
awkwardly that it nearly upset the beautiful center-
table and the engraved oil-can.
“I begin to think,” remarked the Tin Woodman
as he looked earnestly at the Saw-Horse, “that won-
ders will never cease! How came this creature alive?”
“TI did it with a magic powder,” modestly asserted
the boy; “and the Saw-Horse has been very useful
to us,”
131
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
“He enabled us to escape the rebels,” added the
Scarecrow.
“Then we must surely accept him as a comrade,”
declared the Emperor. “A live Saw-Horse is a dis-
tinct novelty, and should prove an interesting study.
Does he know anything?”
“Well, I cannot claim any great experience in
life,” the Saw-Horse answered for himself; «but I
seem to learn very quickly, and often it occurs to
me that I know more than any of those around me.”
« Perhaps you do,” said the Emperor; “for experi-
ence does not always mean wisdom. But time is
precious just now, so let us quickly make prepara-
tions to start upon our journey.”
The Emperor called his Lord High Chancellor
and instructed him how to run the kingdom during
his absence. Meanwhile the Scarecrow was taken
apart and the painted sack that served him for a
head was carefully laundered and restuffed with the
brains originally given him by the great Wizard.
His clothes were also cleaned and pressed by the
Imperial tailors, and his crown polished and again
sewed upon his head, for the Tin Woodman ins‘ted
he should not renounce this badge of royalty. ae
Scarecrow now presented a very respectable appear-
ance, and although in no way addicted to vanity he
132
A Nickel-Plated Emperor
————_—_—______mperor
was quite pleased with himself and strutted a trifle
as he walked. While this was being done Tip
mended the wooden limbs of Jack Pumpkinhead
and made them stronger than before, and the Saw-
Horse was also inspected to see if he was in good
working order.
Then bright and early the next morning they set
out upon the return journey to the Emerald City,
the Tin Woodman bearing upon his shoulder a
gleaming axe and leading the way, while the Pum
kinhead rode upon the Saw-Horse and Tip and the
Scarecrow walked upon either side to make sure
that he didn’t fall off or become damaged.
EA I ITI TIT TT OT I TE AT aT ERIN I PLT ORE ETT
Mr. HMWopgleBug TE
Now, General Jinjur—who, you will remember,
commanded the Army of Revolt—was rendered
very uneasy by the escape of the Scarecrow from
the Emerald City. She feared, and with good reason,
that if his Majesty and the Tin Woodman joined
forces, it would mean danger to her and her entire
army; for the people of Oz had not yet forgotten
the deeds of these famous heroes, who had passed
successfully through so many startling adventures.
So Jinjur sent post-haste for old Mombi, the
witch, and promised her large rewards if she would
come to the assistance of the rebel army.
Mombi was furious at the trick Tip had played
upon her, as well as at his escape and the theft of
the precious Powder of Life; so she needed no urging
135
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i
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
to induce her to travel to the Emerald City to
assist Jinjur in defeating the Scarecrow and the Tin
Woodman, who had made Tip one of their friends.
Mombi had no sooner arrived at the royal palace
than she discovered, by means of her secret magic,
that the adventurers were starting upon their jour-
ney to the Emerald City; so she retired to a small
room high up ina tower and locked herself in while
she practised such arts as she could command to
prevent the return of the Scarecrow and his com-
panions.
That was why the Tin Woodman presently stopped
and said:
«Something very curious has happened. I ought
to know by heart every step of this journey, and
yet I fear we have already lost our way.”
«That is quite impossible!” protested the Scare-
crow. “Why do you think, my dear friend, that we
have gone astray?”
«Why, here before us is a great field of sun“ow-
ers—and I never saw this field before in all my
life.”
At these words they all looked around, only to
find that they were indeed surrounded by a field of
tall stalks, every stalk bearing at its top a gigantic
sunflower. And not only were these flowers almost
136
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
OE te CD
blinding in their vivid hues of red and gold, but
each one whirled around upon its stalk like a min-
iature wind-mill, completely dazzling the vision of
the beholders and so mystifying them that they
knew not which way to turn.
“It’s witchcraft!” exclaimed Tip.
While they paused, hesitating and wondering, the
Tin Woodman uttered a cry of impatience and ad-
vanced with swinging axe to cut down the stalks
before him, But now the sunflowers suddenly stopped
their rapid whirling, and the travelers plainly saw a
girl’s face appear in the center of each flower. These
lovely faces looked upon the astonished band with
mocking smiles, and then burst into a chorus of
merry laughter at the dismay their appearance caused,
“Stop! stop!” cried Tip, seizing the Woodman’s
arm; “they’re alive! they're girls!”
At that moment the flowers began whirling again,
and the faces faded away and were lost in the rapid
revolutions,
The Tin Woodman dropped his axe and sat
down upon the ground,
“It would be heartless to chop down those pretty
creatures,” said he, despondently 3 “and yet I donot
know how else we can proceed upon our way.”
“They looked to me strangely like the faces of
137
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
the Army of Revolt,” mused the Scarecrow. «But
I cannot conceive how the girls could have followed
us here so quickly.”
“I believe it’s magic,” said Tip, positively, «and
that someone is playing a trick upon us. I’ve known
old Mombi do things like that before. Probably
it’s nothing more than an illusion, and there are no
sunflowers here at all.”
“Then let us shut our eyes and walk forward,”
suggested the Woodman.
«Excuse me,” replied the Scarecrow. “My eyes
are not painted to shut. Because you happen to
have tin eyelids, you must not imagine we are all
built in the same way.”
“And the eyes of the Saw-Horse are knot eyes,”
said Jack, leaning forward to examine them.
“Nevertheless, you must ride quickly forward,”
commanded Tip, “and we will follow after you and
so try to escape. My eyes are already so dazzled
that I can scarcely see.”
So the Pumpkinhead rode boldly forward, and
Tip grasped the stub tail of the Saw-Horse and fol-
lowed with closed eyes. The Scarecrow and the
Tin Woodman brought up the rear, and before they
had gone many yards a joyful shout from Jack an-
nounced that the way was clear before them.
138
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
$e, Pek.
Then all paused to look backward, but not a
trace of the field of sunflowers remained.
More cheerfully, now, they proceeded upon their
journey; but old Mombi had so changed the ap-
pearance of the landscape that they would surely
have been lost had not the Scarecrow wisely con-
cluded to take their direction from the sun. For
no witch-craft could change the course of the sun,
and it was therefore a safe guide.
However, other difficulties lay before them. The
Saw-Horse stepped into a rabbit hole and fell to the
ground. The Pumpkinhead was pitched high into
the air, and his history would probably have ended
at that exact moment had not the Tin Woodman
skillfully caught the pumpkin as it descended and
saved it from injury.
Tip soon had it fitted to the neck again and re-
placed Jack upon his feet. But the Saw-Horse did
not escape so easily. For when his leg was pulled
from the rabbit hole it was found to be broken
short off, and must be replaced or repaired before
he could go a step farther.
“This is quite serious,” said the Tin Woodman.
“If there were trees near by I might soon manufac-
ture another leg for this animal 3 but I cannot see
even a shrub for miles around.”
139
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“And there are neither fences nor houses in this
part of the land of Oz,” added the Scarecrow, dis-
consolately.
“Then what shall we do?” enquired the boy.
“I suppose I must start my brains working,” re-
plied his Majesty the Scarecrow; «for experience has
taught me that I can do anything if I but take time
to think it out.”
“Let us all think,” said Tip; «and perhaps we
shall find a way to repair the Saw-Horse.”
So they sat in a row upon the grass and began to
think, while the Saw-Horse occupied itself by gazing
curiously upon its broken limb.
“Does it hurt?” asked the Tin Woodman, in a
soft, sympathetic voice.
“Not in the least,” returned the Saw-Horse; «but
my pride is injured to find that my anatomy is so
brittle.”
For a time the little group remained in silent
thought. Presently the Tin Woodman raised his
head and looked over the fields,
«What sort of creature is that which approaches
us?” he asked, wonderingly.
Tke others followed his gaze, and discovered
coming toward them the most extraordinary object
they had ever beheld. It advanced quickly and
141
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
noiselessly over the soft grass and in a few minutes
stood before the adventurers and regarded them
with an astonishment equal to their own.
The Scarecrow was calm under all circumstances.
«Good morning!” he said, politely.
The stranger removed his hat with a flourish,
bowed very low, and then responded:
«Good morning, one and all. I hope you are,
as an aggregation, enjoying excellent health. Permit
me to present my card.”
With this courteous speech it extended a card
toward the Scarecrow, who accepted it, turned it
over and over, and then handed it with a shake of
his head to Tip.
The boy read aloud:
“MR. H. M. WOGGLE-BUG, T. E.”
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
“Dear me!” ejaculated the Pumpkinhead, staring
somewhat intently.
“ How very peculiar!” said the Tin Woodman.
Tip’s eyes were round and wondering, and the
Saw-Horse uttered a sigh and turned away its head.
“Are you really a Woggle-Bug?” enquired the
Scarecrow.
“Most certainly, my dear sir!” answered the
stranger, briskly. «Is not my name upon the card?”
“It is,” said the Scarecrow. «But may I ask what
‘H. M.’ stands for?”
«‘H. M.’ means Highly Magnified,” returned the
Woggle-Bug, proudly.
“Oh, I see.” The Scarecrow viewed the stranger
critically. “And are you, in truth, highly magnified?”
“Sir,” said the Woggle-Bug, “I take you fora
gentleman of judgment and discernment. Does it
not occur to you that I am several thousand times
greater than any Woggle-Bug you ever saw before?
Therefore it is plainly evident that I am Highly
Magnified, and there is no good reason why you '
should doubt the fact.”
“Pardon me,” returned the Scarecrow. «My
brains are slightly mixed since I was last laundered.
Would it be improper for me to ask, also, what the
‘T. E.’ at the end of your name stands for?”
143
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
“Those letters express my degree,” answered the
Woggle-Bug, with a condescending smile. “To be
more explicit, the initials mean that I am Thoroughly
Educated.”
“Oh!” said the Scarecrow, much relieved.
Tip had not yet taken his eyes off this wonderful
personage. What he saw was a great, round, bug-
like body supported upon two slender legs which
ended in delicate feet—the toes curling upward.
The body of the Woggle-Bug was rather flat, aad
judging from what could be seen of it was of a glis-
tening dark brown color upon the back, while the
front was striped with alternate bands of light brown
and white, blending together at the edges. Its arms
were fully as slender as its legs, and upon a rather
long neck was perched its head—-not unlike the
head of a man, except that its nose ended in a curl-
ing antenna, or “feeler,” and its ears from the upper
points bore antennz that decorated the sides of its
head like two miniature, curling pig tails. It must
be admitted that the round, black eyes were rather
bulging in appearance; but the expression upon the
Woggle-Bug’s face was by no means unpleasant.
For dress the insect wore a dark-blue swallow-
tail coat with a yellow silk lining and a flower in
the button-hole; a vest of white duck that stretched
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
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tightly across the wide body; knickerbockers of
fawn-colored plush, fastened at the knees with gilt
buckles; and, perched upon its small head, was
jauntily set a tall silk hat.
Standing upright before our amazed friends the
Woggle-Bug appeared to be fully as tall as the Tin
Woodman; and surely no bug in all the Land of
Oz had ever before attained so enormous a size.
“I confess,” said the Scarecrow, “that your abrupt
appearance has caused me surprise, and no doubt
has startled my companions. I hope, however, that
this circumstance will not distress you. We shall
probably get used to you in time.”
“Do not apologize, I beg of you!” returned the
Woggle-Bug, earnestly. «It affords me great pleas-
ure to surprise people; for surely I cannot be classed
with v.dinary insects and am entitled to both curi-
osity and admiration from those I meet.”
“You are, indeed,” agreed his Majesty.
“If you will permit me to seat myself in your
august company,” continued the stranger, «I will
gladly relate my history, so that you will be better
‘ able to comprehend my unusual—may I say re-
markable? —appearance.”
“You may say what you please,” answered the
Tin Woodman, briefly.
145
Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T. E.
So the Woggle-Bug sat down upon the grass,
facing the little group of wanderers, and told them
the following story:
“It is but honest that I should acknowledge at
the beginning of my recital that I was born an or-
dinary Woggle-Bug,” began the creature, in a frank
and friendly tone. « Knowing no better, I used my
arms as well as my legs for walking, and crawled
under the edges of stones or hid among the roots of
grasses with no thought beyond finding a few insects
smaller than myself to feed upon.
“The chill nights rendered me stiff and motion-
less, for I wore no clothing, but each morning the
warm rays of the sun gave me new life and restored
me to activity. A horrible existence is this, but you
must remember it is the regularly ordained existence
of Woggle-Bugs, as well as of many other tiny crea-
tures that inhabit the earth.
“But Destiny had singled me out, humble though
I was, for a grander fate! One day I crawled near
147
A Highly Magnified History
to a country school ho_.e, and my curiosity being
excited by the monotonous hum of the students
within, I made bold to enter and creep along a
crack between two boards until I reached the far
end, where, in front of a hearth of glowing embers,
sat the master at his desk.
«No one noticed so small a creature as a Woggle-
Bug, and when I found that the hearth was even
warmer and more comfortable than the sunshine,
I resolved to establish my future home beside it. So
I found a charming nest between two bricks and hid
myself therein for many, many months,
« Professor Nowitall is, doubtless, the most famous
scholar in the land of Oz, and after a few days I
began to listen to the lectures and discourses he
gave his pupils. Not one of them was more atten-
tive than the humble, unnoticed Woggle-Bug, and
I acquired in this way a fund of knowledge that 1
will myself confess is simply marvelous. That is why
I place ‘T. E.—Thoroughly Ec icated—upon my
cards; for my greatest pride lies in the fact that the
world cannot produce another Woggle-Bug with a
tenth part of my own culture and erudition.”
«I do not blame you,” said the Scarecrow. “Ed-
ucation is a thing to be proud of. I’m educated
myself. The mess of brains given me by the Great
148
A Highly Magnified History
Wizard is considered by my friends to be unexcelled.”
“ Nevertheless,” interrupted the Tin Woodman,
“a good heart is, I believe, much more desirable
than education or brains.”
“'To me,” said the Saw-Horse, “a good leg is
more desirable than either.”
«Could seeds be considered in the light of brains?”
enquired the Pumpkinhead, abruptly.
“Keep quiet!” commanded Tip, sternly.
“Very well, dear father,” answered the obedient
ack.
J The Woggle-Bug listened patiently—even re-
spectfully—to these remarks, and then resumed his
story.
“I must have lived fully three years in that se-
cluded school-house hearth,” said he, «drinking
thirstily of the ever-flowing fount of limpid knowl-
edge before me.”
“Quite poetical,” commented the Scarecrow,
nodding his head approvingly.
«But one day,” continued
the Bug, “a marvelous cir-
cumstance occurred that al-
tered my very existence and
brought me to my present
pinnacle of greatness. The
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A Highly Magnified History
Pyofessor discovered me in the act of crawling across
the hearth, and before I could escape he had caught
me between his thumb and forefinger.
«My dear children,’ said he, ‘I have captured a
Woggle-Bug—a very rare and interesting specimen.
Do any of you know what a Woggle-Dug is?’
«‘Nol” yelled the scholars, in chorus.
«¢Then,’ said the Professor, ‘1 will get out my
famous magnifying-glass -nd throw the insect upon
a screen in a highly-m:gnified condition, that you
may all study carcfi:t.y its peculiar construction and
become acquainted with its habits and manner of life.’
«He then brought from a cupboard a most curi-
ous instrument, and before I could realize what had
happened I found myself thrown upon a screen ina
highly-magnified state—even as you now behold me.
«The students stcod up on their stools and craned
their heads forward to get a better view of me, and
two little girls jumped upon the sill of an open
window where they could see more plainly.
«éBehold!’ cried the Professor, in a loud voice,
sthis highly-magnified Woggle-Bug; one of the most
curious insects in existence!’
«Being Thoroughly Educated, and knowing what
is required of a cultured gentleman, at this juncture
I stood upright and, placing my hand upon my
150
“
E
3
|
?
7
E
A Highly Magnified History
bosom, made a very polite bow. My action, being
unexpecte 4, must have startled them, for one of the
little girls perched upon the window-sill gave a
scream and fell backward out the window, drawing
her.companion with her as she disappeared.
«The Professor uttered a cry of horror and rushed
away through the door to see if the poor children
were injured by the fall. The scholars followed
after him in a wild mob, and I was left alone in the
school-roum, still in a Highly-Magnified state and
free to do as I pleased.
«It immediately occurred to me that this was a
good opportunity to escape. I was proud of my
great size, and realized that now I could safely
travel anywhere in the world, while my superior
culture would make me a fit associate for the most
learned person I might chance to meet.
“So, while the Professor picked the little girls—
who were more fi’ 'itened than hurt—off the
ground, and the pupis clustered around him closely
grouped, I calmly walked out of the school-house,
turned a corner, and escaped unnoticed to a grove
of trees that stood near.”
“ Wonderfull” exclaimed the Pumpkinhead, ad-
miringly.
«It was, indeed,” agreed the Woggle-Bug. «I
152
A Highly Magnified History
have never ceased to congratulate myself for escaping
while I was Highly Magnified; for even my excess-
ive knowledge would have proved of little use to
me had I remained a tiny, insignificant insect.”
«I didn’t know before,” said Tip, looking at the
153
A Highly Magnified History
Woggle-Bug with a puzzled expression, “that insects
wore clothes.”
“Nor do they, in their natural state,” returned
the stranger. “But in the course of my wanderings
I had the good fortune to save the ninth life of a
tailor—tailors having, like cats, nine lives, as you
probably know. The fellow was exceedingly grate-
ful, for had he lost that ninth life it would have been
the end of him; so he begged permission to furnish
me with the stylish costume I now wear. It fits
very nicely, does it not?” and the Woggle-Bug stood
up and turned himself around slowly, that all might
examine his person.
“He must have been a good tailor,” said the
Scarecrow, somewhat enviously.
“He was a good-hearted tailor, at any rate,” ob-
served Nick Chopper.
«But where were you going, when you met us?”
Tip asked the Woggle-Bug.
« Nowhere in particular,” was the reply, “although
it is my intention soon to visit the Emerald City
and arrange to give a course of lectures to select
audiences on the ‘Advantages of Magnification.”
«We are bound for the Emerald City now,” said
the Tin Woodman; «so, if it pleases you to do so,
you are welcome to travel in our company.”
154
A Highly Magnified History
The Woggle-Bug bowed with profound grace.
«It will give me great pleasure,” said he, “to
accept your kind invitation; for nowhere in the Land
of Oz could I hope to meet with so congenial a
company.”
«That is true,” acknowledged the Pumpkinhead.
“We are quite as congenial as flies and honey.”
« But— pardon me if I seem inquisitive—are you
not all rather—ahem!—rather unusual?” asked the
Woggle-Bug, looking from one to another with un-
concealed interest.
“Not moze so than yourself,” answered the
Scarecrow. “Everything in life is unusual until you
get accustomed to it.”
«What rare philosophy!” exclaimed the Woggle-
Bug, admiringly.
“Yes; my brains are working well today,” admit-
ted the Scarecrow, an accent of pride in his voice.
«Then, if you are sufficiently rested and refreshed,
let us bend our steps toward the Emerald City,”
suggested the magnified one.
“We can’t,” said Tip. “The Saw-Horse has
broken a leg, so he can’t bend his steps. And there
is no wood around to make him a new limb from.
And we can’t leave the horse behind because the
Pumpkinhead isso stiff in his joints that he has to ride.”
155
A Highly Magnified History
« How very unfortunate!” cried the Woggle-Bug.
Then he looked the party over carefully and said:
“If the Pumpkinhead is to ride, why not use one
of his legs to make a leg for the horse that carries
him? I judge that both are made of wood.”
«“ Now, that is what I call real cleverness,” said
the Scarecrow, approvingly. “I wonder my brains
did not think of that long ago! Get to work, my
dear Nick, and fit the Pumpkinhead’s leg to the
Saw-Horse.”
Jack was not especially pleased with this idea;
but he submitted to having his left leg amputated
by the Tin Woodman and whittled down to fit the
left leg of the Saw-Horse. Nor was the Saw-Horse
especially pleased with the operation, either; for he
growled a good deal about being “butchered,” as he
called it, and afterward declared that the new leg
was a disgrace to a respectable Saw-Horse.
“I beg you to be more careful in your speech,”
said the Pumpkinhead, sharply. «Remember, if you
please, that it is my leg you are abusing.”
«I cannot forget it,” retorted the Saw-Horse,
«for it is quite as flimsy as the rest of your person.”
«Flimsy! me flimsy!” cried Jack, in a rage. “How
dare you call me flimsy?”
« Because you are built as absurdly as a jumping-
156
A Highly Magnified History
jack,” sneered the horse, rolling his knotty eyes in
a vicious manner. “Even your head won’t stay
straight, and you never can tell whether you are
looking backwards or forward!”
“Friends, I entreat you not to quarrel!” pleaded
the Tin Woodman, anxiously. «As a matter of fact,
we are none of us above criticism; so let us bear
with each others’ faults.”
“An excellent suggestion,” said the Woggle-Bug,
approvingly. «You must have an excellent heart,’
my metallic friend.” :
“I have,” returned Nick, well pleased. «My
heart is quite the best part of me. But now let us
start upon our journey.”
They perched the one-legged Pumpkinhead upon
the Saw-Horse, and tied him to his seat with cords,
so that he could not possibly fall off.
And then, following the lead of the Scarecrow,
they all advanced in the direction of the Emerald
City.
aes
Ola Mombi indulges
in Witchcraft
They soon discovered that the Saw-Horse limped,
for his new leg was a trifle too long. So they were
obliged to halt while the Tin Woodman chopped it
down with his axe, after which the wooden steed
paced along more comfortably. But the Saw-Horse
was not entirely satisfied, even yet.
“It was a shame that I broke my other leg!” it
growled.
“On the contrary,” airily remarked the Woggle-
Bug, who was walking alongside, « you should con-
sider the accident most fortunate. For a horse is
never of much use until he has been broken.”
“I beg your pardon,” said Tip, rather provoked,
for he felt a warm interest in both the Saw-Horse
and his man Jack; «but permit me to say that your
joke is a poor one, and as old as it is poor.”
59
Old Mombi Indulges: in Witchcraft
“Still, it is a joke,” declared the Woggle-Bug,
firmly, “and a joke derived from a play upon words
is considered among educated people to be emi-
nently proper.”
“What does that mean?” enquired the Pumpkin-
head, stupidly.
“It means, my dear friend,” explained the Wog-
gle-Bug, “that our language contains many words
having a double meaning; and that to pronounce a
joke that allows both meanings of a certain word,
proves the joker a person of culture and refinement,
who has, moreover, a thorough command of the
language.”
“I don’t believe that,” said Tip, plainly; «any-
body can make a pun.”
“Not so,” rejoined the Woggle-Bug, stiffly. «It
requires education of a high order. Are you edu.-
cated, young sir?”
“Not especially,” admitted Tip.
“Then you cannot judge the matter. I myself
am Thoroughly Educated, and I say that puns dis-
play genius. For instance, were I to ride upon this
Saw-Horse, he would not only be an animal— he
would become an equipage. For he would then be
a horse-and-buggy.”
At this the Scarecrow gave a gasp and the Tin
160
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
Woodman stopped short and looked reproachfully
at the Woggle-Bug. At the same time the Saw-
Horse loudly snorted his derision; and even the
Pumpkinhead put up his hand to hide the smile
which, because it was carved upon his face, he could
not change to a frown.
But the Woggle-Bug strutted along as if he had
made some brilliant remark, and the Scarecrow was
obliged to say:
“I have heard, my dear friend, that a person can
become over-educated; and although I have a high
respect for brains, no matter how they may be ar-
ranged or classified, I begin to suspect that yours
are slightly tangled. In any event, I must beg you
to restrain your superior education while in our so-
ciety.”
We are not very particular,” added the Tin
Woodman; “and we are exceedingly kind hearted.
But if your superior culture gets leaky again—”
4e did not complete the sentence, but he twirled
is gleaming axe so carelessly that the Woggle-Bug
looked frightened, and shrank away to a safe distance.
The others marched on in silence, and the Highly-
Magnified one, after a period of deep thought, said
in an humble voice:
“1 will endeavor to restrain myself.”
161
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
“That is all we can expect,” returned the Scare-
crow, pleasantly; and good nature being thus happily
restored to the party, they proceeded upon their way.
When they again stopped to allow Tip to rest—
the boy being the only one that seemed to tire—
the Tin Woodman noticed many small, round holes
in the grassy meadow.
“This must be a village of the Field Mice,” he
said to the Scarecrow. “I wonder if my old friend,
the Queen of the Mice, is in this neighborhood.”
“If she is, she may be of great service to us,”
answered the Scarecrow, who was impressed by a
sudden thought. “Seeif you can call her,mydear Nick.”
80 the Tin Woodman blew a shrill note upon a
silver whistle that hung around his neck, and pres-
ently a tiny grey mouse popped from a near-by hole
and advanced fearlessly toward them. For the Tin
Woodman had once saved her life, and the Queen
of the Field Mice knew he was to be trusted.
“Good day, your Majesty,” said Nick, politely
addressing the mouse; “I trust you are enjoying
good health?”
«Thank you, I am quite well,” answered the
Queen, demurely, as she sat up and displayed the
tiny golden crown upon her head. “Can I do any-
thing to ase'st my old friends?”
162
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
“You can, indeed,” replied the Scarecrow, eagerly.
“Let me, I intreat you, take a dozen of your sub-
jects with me to the Emerald City.”
“Will they be injured in any way?” asked the
Queen, doubtfully.
“I think not,” replied the Scarecrow. «I will
carry them hidden in the straw which stuffs my
body, and when I give them the signal by unbutton.
ing my jacket, they have only to rush out and
scamper home again as fast as they can. By doing
this they will assist me to regain my throne, which
the Army of Revolt has taken from me.”
“In that case,” said the Queen, «I will not re-
fuse your request. Whenever you are ready, I will
call twelve of my most intelligent subjects.”
“I am ready now,” returned the Scarecrow. Then
he lay flat upon the ground and unbuttoned his
jacket, displaying the mass of straw with which he
was stuffed.
The Queen uttered a little piping call, and in an
instant a dozen pretty field mice had emerged from
their holes and stood before their ruler, awaiting her
orders.
What the Queen said to them none of our trav-
elers could understand, for it was in the mouse lan-
guage; but the field mice obeyed without hesitation,
163
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
running one after the other to the Scarecrow and
hiding themselves in the straw of his breast.
When all of the twelve mice had thus concealed
themselves, the Scarecrow buttoned his jacket se-
curely and then arose and thanked the Queen for
her kindness.
“One thing more you might do to serve us,” sug-
gested the Tin Woodman; “and that is to run ahead
and show us the way to the Emerald City. For
some enemy is evidently trying to prevent us from
reaching it.”
«1 will do that gladly,” returned the Queen. “Are
you ready?”
The Tin Woodman looked at Tip.
«I’m rested,” said the boy. «Let us start.”
Then they resumed their journey, the little grey
Queen of the Field Mice running swiftly ahead and
then pausing until the travelers drew near, when
away she would dart again.
Without this unerring guide the Scarecrow and
his comrades might never have gained the Emerald
City; for many were the obstacles thrown in their
way by the arts of old Mombi. Yet not one of the
obstacles really existed—all were cleverly contrived
deceptions. For when they came to the banks of
a rushing river that threatened to bar their way the
6
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
little Queen kept steadily on, passing through the
seeming flood in safety; and our travelers followed
her without encountering a single drop of water.
Again, a high wall of granite towered high above
their heads and opposed their advance. But the
grey Field Mouse walked straight through it, and
the others did the same, the wall melting into mist
as they passed it.
Afterward, when they had stopped for a moment
to allow Tip to rest, they saw forty roads branching
off from their feet in forty different directions; and
soon these forty roads began whirling around like
a mighty wheel, first in one direction and then in
the other, completely bewildering their vision.
But the Queen called for them to follow her and
darted off in a straight line; and when they had
gone a few paces the whirling pathways vanished
and were seen no more.
Mombi’s last trick was most fearful of all. She
sent a sheet of crackling flame rushing over the
meadow to consume them; and for the first time
the Scarecrow became afraid and turned to fly.
“If that fire reaches me I will be gone in no
time!” said he, trembling until his straw rattled.
“It’s the most dangerous thing I ever encountered.”
“I'm off, tool” cried the Saw-Horse, turning and
165
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
prancing with agitation; “for my wood is eo dry it
would burn like kindlings.”
“Is fire dangerous to pumpkins?” asked Jack,
fearfully.
«You'll be baked like a tart—and so will I!”
answered the Woggle-Bug, getting down on all fours
so he could run the faster.
But the Tin Woodman, having no fear of fire,
averted the stampede by a few sensible words.
«Look at the Field Mouse!” he shouted. «The
fire does not burn her in the least. In fact, it is no
fire at all, but only a deception.”
166
Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft
pect soothe’ dheciiiche si Sole staan enh 2
Indeed, to watch the little Queen march calmly
through the advancing flames restored courage to
every member of the party, and they followed her
without being even scorched.
“This is surely a most extraordinary adventure,”
said the Woggle-Bug, who was greatly amazed; «for
it upsets all the Natural Laws that I heard Pro-
fessor Nowitall teach in the school-house.”
“Of course it does,” said the Scarecrow, wisely.
“All magic is unnatural, and for that reason is to be
feared and avoided. But I see before us the gates
of the Emerald City, so I imagine we have now
overcome all the magical obstacles that seemed to
Oppose us.”
Indeed, the walls of the City were plainly visible,
and the Queen of the Field Mice, who had guided
them so faithfully, came near to bid them good-bye.
“We are very grateful to your Majesty for your
kind assistance,” said the Tin Woodman, bowing
before the pretty creature.
“I am always pleased to be of service to my
friends,” answered the Queen, and in a flash she had
darted away upon her journey home.
The Pris . ee
Approaching the gateway of the Emerald City
the travelers found it guarded by two girls of the
Army of Revolt, who opposed their entrance by
drawing the knitting-needles from their hair and
threatening to prod the first that came near.
But the Tin Woodman was not afraid.
“At the worst they can but scratch my beautiful
nickel-plate,” he said. «But there will be no ‘worst,’
for I think I can manage to frighten these absurd
soldiers very easily. Follow me closely, all of you!”
Then, swinging his axe in a great circle to right
and left before him, he advanced upon the gate, and
the others followed him without hesitation.
The girls, who had expected no resistance what-
ever, were terrified by the sweep of the glittering
axe and fled screaming into the city; so that our
The Prisoners of the Queen
travelers passed the gates in safety and marched down
the green marble pavement of the wide street toward
the royal ce.
“At this rate we will soon have your Majesty
upon the throne again,” said the Tin Woodman,
laughing at his easy conquest of the guards.
«Thank you, friend Nick,” returned the Scare-
crow, gratefully. “Nothing can resist your kind
heart and your sharp axe.”
As they passed the rows of houses they saw
through the open doors that men were sweeping
and dusting and washing dishes, while the women
sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing.
“What has happened?” the Scarecrow asked a
sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an
apron and was wheeling a baby-carriage along the
sidewalk.
“Why, we’ve had a revolution, your Majesty —
as you ought to know very well,” replied the man;
«and since you went away the women have been
running things to suit themselves. I’m glad you
have decided to come back and restore order, for
doing housework and minding the children is wear-
ing out the strength of every man in the Emerald
City.”
rf Hm!” said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. « If x
i76
The Prisoners of the Queen
is such hard work as you say, how did the women
manage it so easily?”
“I really do not know,” replied the man, with a
deep sigh. «Perhaps the women are made of cast-
iron.”
No movement was made, as they passed along
the street, to oppose their progress. Several of the
women stopped their gossip leng enough to cast
curious looks upon our friends, but immediately they
would turn away with a laugh or a sneer and resume
their chatter. Amd when they met with several
girls belonging to the Army of Revolt, those soldiers,
instead of being alarmed or appearing surprised,
merely stepped out of the way and allowed them
to advance without protest
This action rendered the Scarecrow uneasy.
«I’m afraid we are walking into a trap,” said he.
“ Nonsense!” returned Nick Chopper, confidently;
“the silly creatures are conquered already!”
But the Scarecrow shook his head in a way that
expressed doubt, and Tip said:
«It’s too easy, altogether. Look out for trouble
ahead.”
«J will,” returned his Majesty.
Unopposed they reached the royal palace and
marched up the marble steps, which had once been
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The Prisoners of the Queen
per oi Sheds eral a Male A Nl
thickly encrusted with emeralds but were now filled
with tiny holes where the jewels had been ruthlessly
torn from their settings by the Army of Revolt. And
so far not a rebel barred their way.
Through the arched hallways and into the mag-
nificent throne room marched the Tin Woodman
and his followers, and here, when the green silken
curtains fell behind them, they saw a curious sight.
Seated within the glittering throne was General
Jinjur, with the Scarecrow’s second-best crown upon
her head, and the royal sceptre in her right hand.
A box of caramels, from which she was eating, rested
in her lap, and the girl seemed entirely at ease in
her royal surroundings.
The Scarecrow stepped forward and confronted
her, while the Tin Woodman leaned upon his axe
and the others formed a half-circle back of his
Majesty’s person.
“How dare you sit in my throne?” demanded
the Scarecrow, sternly eyeing the intruder. «Don’t
you know you are guilty of treason, and that there
is a law against treason?”
“The throne belongs to whoever is able tu take
it,” answered Jinjur, as she slowly ate another cara«
mel. “I have taken it, as you see; so just now 1]
am the Queen, and all who oppose me are guilty of
173
The Prisoners of the Queen
treason, and must be punished by the law you have
just mentioned.”
This view of the case puzzled the Scarecrow.
“How is it, friend Nick?” he asked, turning to
the Tin Woodman.
“Why, when it comes to Lew, I have nothing to
say,” answered that personage; “for laws were never
meant to be understood, and it is foolish to make
the attempt.”
“Then what shall we do?” asked the Scarecrow,
in dismay.
“Why don’t you marry the Queen? And then
you can both rule,” suggested the Woggle-Bug.
Jinjur glared at the insect fiercely.
«Why don’t you send her back to her mother,
where she belongs?” asked Jack Pumpkinhead.
Jinjur frowned.
«Why don’t you shut her up in a closet until she
behaves herself,and promises to be good?” enquired
Tip. Jinjur’s lip curled scornfully.
“Or give her a good shaking!” added the Saw-
Horse.
“No,” said the Tin Woodman, “we must treat
the poor girl with gentleness. Let us give her all
the jewels she can carry, and send her away happy
and contented.”
174
The Prisoners of the Queen
At this Queen Jinjur laughed aloud, and the next
minute clapped her pretty hands together thrice, as
if for a signal.
“You are very absurd creatures,” said she; “but
I am tired of your nonsense and have no time to
bother with you longer.”
While the monarch and his friends listened in
amazement to this impudent speech, a startling thing
happened. The Tin Woodman’s axe was snatched
from his grasp by some person behind him, and he
found himself disarmed and helpless. At the same
instant a shout of laughter rang in the ears of the de-
voted band, and turning to see whence this came they
found themselves surrounded by the Army of Revolt,
the girls bearing in either hand their glistening knit.
ting-needles. The entire throne room seemed to
be filled with the rebels, and the Scarecrow and his
comrades realized that they were prisoners.
“You see how foolish it is to oppose a woman's
wit,” said Jinjur, gaily; «and this event only prover
that Iam more fit to rule the Emerald City than
a Scarecrow. I bear you no ill will, I assure you;
but lest you should prove troublesome to me in the
future I shall order you all to be destroyed. That
is, all except the boy, who belongs to old Mombi
and must be restored to her keeping. The rest of
193
The Prisoners of the Queen
you are not human, and therefore it will not be
wicked to demolish you. The Saw-Horse and the
Pumpkinhead’s body I will have chopped up for
kindling-wood; and the pumpkin shall be made into
tarts. The Scarecrow will do nicely to start a bonfire,
and the tin man can be cut into small pieces and fed
to the goats. As for this immense Woggle-Bug—”
“Highly Magnified, if you please!” interrupted
the insect.
“J think I will ask the cook to make green-turtle
soup of you,” continucd the Queen, reflectively.
The Woggle-Bug shuddered.
“Or, if that won’t do, we might use you for a
Hungarian goulash, stewed and highly spiced,” she
added, cruelly.
This programme of extermination was so terrible
that the prisoners looked upon one another in a
panic of fear. The Scarecrow alone did not give
way to despair. He stood quietly before the Queen
and his brow was wrinkled in deep thought as he
strove to find some means tu escape.
While thus engaged he felt the straw within his
breast move gently. At once his expression changed
from sadness to joy, and raising his hand he quickly
unbuttoned the front of his jacket.
This action did not pass unnoticed by the crowd
176
The Prisoners of the Queen
of girls clustering about him, but none of them sus-
pected what he was doing until a tiny grey mouse
leaped from his bosom to the floor and scampered
uway between the feet of the Army of Revolt.
Another mouse quickly followed; then another and
another. in rapid succession. And suddenly such a
19?
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The Prisoners of the Queen
scream of terror went up from the Army that it
might easily have filled the stoutest heart with con-
sternation. The flight that ensued turned to a stam-
pede, and the stampede to a panic.
For while the startled mice rushed wildly about
the room the Scarecrow had only time to note a
whirl of skirts and a twinkling of feet as the girls
disappeared from the palace—pushing and crowd-
ing one another in their mad efforts to escape.
The Queen, at the first alarm, stood up on the
cushions of the throne and began to dance frantic-
ally upon her tiptoes. Then a mouse ran up the
cushions, and with 2 terrified leap poor Jinjur shot
clear over the head of the Scarecrow and escaped
through an archway—never pausing in her wild
career until she had reached the city gates.
So, in less time than I can explain, the throne
room was deserted by all save the Scarecrow and
his friends, and the Woggle-Bug heaved a deep sigh
of relief as he exclaimed:
«Thank goodness, we are saved!”
«For a time, yes;” answered the Tin Woodman.
«But the enemy will soon return, I fear.”
«Let us bar all the ertrances to the palace!”
said the Scarecrow. «Then we shall have time to
think what is best to be done.”
178
The Prisoners of the Queen
i i etal Ott Se Sa
So all except Jack Pumpkinhead, who was still
tied fast to the Saw-Horse, ran to the various en-
trances of the royal palace and closed the heavy
doors, belting and locking them securely. Then,
knowing that the Army of Revolt could not batter
down the barriers in several days, the adventurers
gathered once more in the throne room for a coun-
cil of war.
4 e
Takes Time to Think
“It seems to me,” began the Scarecrow, when all
were again assembled in the throne room, “that the
girl Jinjur is quite right in claiming to be Queen.
And if she is right, then } 2 wrong, and we have
no business to be occupying her palace.”
“But you were the King antil she came,” said
the Woggle-Bug, strutting up and down with his
hands in his pockets; “so it appears to me that she
is the interloper instead of you.”
“Especially as we have just conquered her and
put her to flight,” added the Pumpkinhead, as he
raised his hands to turn his face toward the Scare-
crow.
“‘ Have we really conquered her?” asked the Scare-
crow, quietly. «Look out of the window, and tell
me what you sce.”
181
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
Tip ran to the window and looked out.
“The palace is surrounded by a double row of
girl soldiers,” he announced.
“I thought so,” returned the Scar --ow. “We
are as truly their prisoners as we were before the
mice frightened them from the palace.”
“My friend is right,” said Nick Chopper, who had
been polishing his breast with a bit of chamois-
leather. Jinjur is still the Queen, and we are her
prisoners.”
«But I hope she cannot get at us,” exclaimed the
Pumpkinhead, with a shiver of fear. «She threat-
ened to make tarts of me, you know.”
«Don’t worry,” said the Tin Woodman. «It can-
not matter greatly. If you stay shut up here you
will spoil in time, anyway. A good tart is far more
admirable than a decayed intellect.”
“Very true,” agreed the Scarecrow.
“Oh, dear!” moaned Jack; «what an unhappy lot
is mine! Why, dear father, did you not make me
out of tin—or even out of straw—so that I would
keep indefinitely.”
«‘Shucks!” returned Tip, indignantly. «You ough:
to be glad that I made you atall.” Then he added,
reflectively, “everything has to come to an end,
some time.”
182
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
Bisbee toeeacandichiliirelion Rh Stay elaine
“But I beg to remind you,” broke in the Woggle-
Bug, who had a distressed look in his bulging, round
eyes, “that this terrible Queen Jinjur suggested
making a goulash of me—Me! the only Highly
Magnified and Thoroughly Educated Woggle-Bug
in the wide, wide world!”
“I think it was a brilliant idea,” remarked the
Scarecrow, approvingly.
“Don’t you imagine he would make a better
soup?” asked the Tin Woodman, turning toward
his friend.
“Well, perhaps,” acknowledged the Scarecrow.
The Woggle-Bug groaned.
“I can see, in my mind’s eye,” said he, mourn-
fully, «the goats eating small pieces of my dear
comrade, the Tin Woodman, while my soup is being
cooked on a bonfire built of the Saw-Horse and
Jack Pumpkinhead’s body, and Queen Jinjur watches
me boil while she feeds the flames with my friend
the Scarecrow!”
This morbid picture cast a gloom over the entire
party, making them restless and anxious,
“It can’t happen for some time,” said the Tin
Woodman, trying to speak cheerfully; “for we shall
be able to keep Jinjur out of the palace until she
manages to break down the doors.”
183
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
“And in the meantime I am liable to starve to
death, and so is the Woggle-Bug,” announced Tip.
“As for me,” said the Woggle-Bug, «I think that
I could live for some time on Jack Pumpkinhead.
Not that I prefer pumpkins for food; but I believe
they are somewhat nutritious, and Jack’s head is
ijarge and plump.”
« How heartless!” exclaimed the Tin Woodman,
great.y shocked. “Are we cannibals, let me ask?
Or are we faithful friends?”
«“] see very clearly that we cannot stay shut up in
this palace,” said the Scarecrow, with decision. «So
let us end this mournful talk and try to discover a
means to escape.”
At this suggestion they all gathered eagerly around
the throne, wherein was seated the Scarecrow, and as
Tip sat down upon a stool there fell from his pocket
a pepper-box, which rolled upon the floor.
«What is this?” asked Nick Chopper, picking up
the box.
“Be carefull” cried the boy. “That’s my Powder
of Life. Don’t spill it, for it is nearly gone.”
«And what is the Powder of Life?” enquired the
Scarecrow, as Tip replaced the box carefully in his
pocket.
«It’s some magical stuff old Mombi got from a
384
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
ne EINE
crooked sorcerer,” explained the boy. “She brought
Jack to life with it, and afterward I used it to bring
the Saw-Horse to life. I guess it will make anything 1
live that is sprinkled with it; but there's only about if
one dose left.” \
“Then it is very precious,” said the Tin Woodman. a)
“Indeed it is,” agreed the Scarecrow. «It may | i}
Prove our best means of escape from our difficulties. a
I believe I will think for a few minutes; so I will i
thank you, friend Tip, to get out your knife and rip
this heavy crown from my forehead.”
Tip soon cut the stitches that had fastened the
crown to the Scare-
crow’s hea¢, and the
former monarch of
the Emerald Cityre FS
moved it witha sigh [E
of relief and hung it
on a peg beside the
throne. .
“That is my last
memento of royal-
ty,” said he; sand
I'm glad to get rid
of it. The former
King of this City,
f
i)
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
who was named Pastoria, lost the crown to the
Wonderful Wizard, who passed it on to me. Now
the girl Jinjur claims it, and I sincerely hope it will
not give her a headache.”
“A kindly thought, which I greatly admire,” said
the Tin Woodman, nodding approvingly.
“And now I will indulge in a quiet think,” con-
tinued the Scarecrow, lying back in the throne.
The others remained as silent and still as possible,
so as not to di:turb him; for all had great confidence
in the extraordinary brains of the Scarecrow.
And, after what seemed a very long time indeed
to the anxious watchers, the thinker sat up, looked
upon his friends with his most whimsical expression,
and said:
«My brains work beautifully today. I’m quite
proud of them. Now, listen! If w: attempt to
escape through the doors of the palace we shall
surely be captured. And, as we c2n’t escape through
the ground, there is only one other thing to be done.
We must escape through the air!”
He paused to note the effect of these words; but
all his hearers seemed puzzled and unconvinced.
“The Wonderful Wizard escaped in a balloon,”
he continued. «We don't know how to make a
balloon, of course; but any sort of thing that can
186
‘ane Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
Ay through the air can carry us easily. So I suggest
that my friend the Tin Woodman, who is a skillful
mechanic, shall build some sort of a machine, with
good strong wings, to carry us; and our friend Tip
can then bring the Thing to life with his me-vical
powder.”
“Bravo!” cried Nick Chopper.
«What splendid brains!”
murmured Jack.
“Really quite clever!”
said the Educated Woggle-
Bug.
“I believe it can be
due,” declared Tip; «that
is, if the Tin Woodman TN
is equal to making the | Wi
Thing.” ea
«ll do my best" said “WK
Nick, cheerily; “and, as a
matter of fact, I do not
often fail in what I at-
tempt. But the Thing will
have to be built on the
roof of the palace, so it ¢
can rise comfortably into
the air.” 1
mot,
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
«To be sure,” said the Scarecrow.
“Then let us search through the palace,” con-
tinued the Tin Woodman, “and carry all the mate-
ral we can find to the roof, where I will begin my
work.”
« First, biswiver?* said the Pumpkinhead, «I beg
you will release me from this horse, and make me
another leg to walk with. For in my present con-
dition I am of no use to myself or to anyone else.”
So the Tin Woodman knocked a mahogany cen-
ter-table to pieces with his axe and fitted one of the
legs, which was beautifully carved, on to th body
of Jack Pumpkinhead, who was very proud of the
acquisition.
“It seems strange,” said he, as he watched the
Tin Woodman work, “that my left leg should be
the most elegant and substantial part of me.”
“That proves you are unusual,” returned the
Scarecrow; “and I am convinced that the only peo-
ple worthy of consideration in this world are the
unusual ones. For the common folks are like the
leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.”
“Spoken like a philosopher!” cried the Woggle-
Bug, as he assisted the Tin Wvodman to set Jack
upon his feet.
“ H..w do you fee’ now?” asked Tip, watching
The Scarecrow Takes Time to Think
Seoieenansbpanee = ran rae ee
the Pumpkinhead stump around to try his new leg,
“As good as new,” answered Jack joyfully, «and
quite ready to assist you all to escape.”
“Then let us get to work,” said the Scarecrow, in
a business-like tone.
So, glad to be doing anything that might lead to
the end of their captivity, the friends separated to
wander over the palace in search of fitting material
to use in the construction of their ae sal machine.
When the adventurers reassembled upon the roof
it was found that a remarkably queer assortment of
articles had been selected by the various members of
the party. No onescemed to have a very clear idea
of what was required, but all had brought something,
The Woggle-Bug had taken from its position over
the mantle-piece in the great hallway the head of a
Gump, which was adorned with wide-spreading ant-
lers; and this, with great care and greater difficulty,
the insect had carried up the stairs to the roof. This
Gump resembled an Elk’s head, only the nose turned
upward in a saucy manner and there were whiskers
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The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
upen its chin, like those of a billy-goat. Why the
Woggle-Bug selected this article he could not have
explained, except that it had aroused his curiosity.
Tip, with the aid of the Saw-Horse, had brought
a large, upholstered sofa to the roof. It was an old-
fashioned piece of furniture, with high back and ends,
and it was so heavy that even by resting the greatest
weight upon the back of the Saw-Horse, the boy found
himself out of breath when at last the clumsy sofa
was dumped upon the roof.
The Pumpkinhead had brought a broom, which
was the first thing he saw. The Scarecrow arrived
with a coil of clothes-lines and ropes which he had
taken from the courtyard, and in his trip up the stairs
he had become so entangled in the loose ends of the
ropes that both he and his burden tumbled ina heap
upon the roof and might have rolled off if Tip had
not rescued him. |
The Tin Woodman appeared last. He also had
been to the courtyard, where he had cut four great,
spreading leaves froma huge palm-tree that was the
pride of all the inhabitants of the Emerald City.
“My dear Nick!” exclaimed the Scarecrow, see-
ing what his friend had done; “you have been
guilty of the greatest crime any person can commit
in the Emerald City. If I remember rightly, the
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ALL BROUGHT SOMETHING TO THE ROOF.
The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
penalty for chopping leaves from the royal palm-
tree is to be killed seven times and afterward im-
prisoned for life.”
“It cannot be helped now,” answered the Tin
Woodman, throwing down the big leaves upon the
roof. «But it may be one more reason why it is
necessary for us to escape. And now let us see
what you have found for me to work with.”
Many were the doubtful looks cast upon the heap
of miscellaneous material that now cluttered the roof,
and finally the Scarecrow shock his head and re-
marked:
“Well, if friend Nick can manufacture, from this
mess of rubbish, a Thing that will fly through the
air and carry us to safety, then I will acknowledge
him to be a better mechanic than I suspected.”
But the Tin Woodman seemed at first by no
means sure of his powers, and only after polishing
his forehead vigorously with the chamois-leather did
he resolve to undertake the task.
“The first thing required for the machine.” said
he, “is a body big enough to carry the entire party.
This sofa is the biggest thing we have, and might be
used for a bory. But, should the machine ever tip
sideways, we would all slide off and fall to the
ground.”
194
The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
— ee ENE Of the Gump
“Why not use two sofas?” asked Tip. «There’s
another one just like this down stairs,”
“That is a very sensible suggestion,” exclaimed
the Tin Woodman. «You must fetch the other
sofa at once.”
So Tip and the Saw-Horse managed, with much
labor, to get the second sofa to the roof; and when
the two were placed together, edge to edge, the
backs and ends formed a protecting rampart all
around the seats, .
“Excellent!” cried the Scarecrow. «We can ride
within this snug nest quite at our ease.”
The two sofas were now bound firmly together
with ropes and clothes-lines, and then Nick Chopper
fastened the Gump’s head to one end.
“That will show which is the front end of the
Thing,” said he, greatly pleased with the idea, « And,
really, if you examine it critically, the Gump looks
very well asa figure-head. These great palm-leaves,
for which I have endangered my life seven times,
must serve us as wings.”
“Are they strong enough?” asked the boy.
“They are as strong as anything we can get,”
answered the Woodman; «and although they are
not in proportion to the Thing’s body, we are not
in a position to be very particular.”
195
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4
The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
So he fastened the palm-leaves to the sofas, two
on each side.
Said the Woggle-Bug, with considerable admira-
tion:
“The Thing is now complete, and only needs to
be brought to life.”
“Stop a moment!” exclaimed Jack. «Are you
not going to use my broom?”
“What for?” asked the Scarecrow.
“Why, it can be fastened to the back end for a
tail,” answered the Pumpkinhead. “Surely you
would not call the Thing complete without a tail.”
“Hm!” said the Tin Woodman; «I do not see
the useofatail. We are not trying to copya beast,
or a fish, or a bird. All we ask of the Thing is to
carry us through the air.”
«Perhaps, after the Thing is brought to life, it can
use a tail to steer with,” suggested the Scarecrow.
“For if it flies through the air it will not be unlike
a bird, and I’ve noticed that all birds have tails, which
they use for a rudder while flying.”
“Very well,” answered Nick, “the broom shall be
used for a tail,” and he fastened it firmly to the back
end of the sofa body.
Tip took the pepper-box from his pocket.
“The Thing looks very big,” said he, anxiously;
The Astonishing Flight of the Gans
«and I am not sure there is enough powder left to bring
all of it to life. But I'll make it go as far as possible.”
“Put most on the wings,” said Nick Chopper;
“for they must be made as strong as possible.”
“And don’t forget the head!” exclaimed the Wog-
gle-Bug.
“Or the tail!” added Jack Pumpkinhead.
“Do be quiet,” said Tip, nervously; “you must
give me a chance to work the magic charm in the
proper manner.”
Very carefully he began sprinkling the Thing with
the precious powder. Each of the four wings was
first lightly covered with a layer; then the sofas were
sprinkled, and the broom given a slight coating.
“The head! The head! Don’t, beg of you, for-
get the head!” cried the Woggle-Bug, excitedly.
«“There’s only a little of the powder left,” an-
nounced Tip, looking within the box. “And it
seems to me it is more important to bring the legs
of the sofas to life than the head.”
“Not so,” decided the Scarecrow. «Every thing
must have a head to direct it; and since this crea-
ture is to fly, and not walk, it is really unimportant
whether its legs are alive or not.”
So Tip abided by this decision and sprinkled the
Gump’s head with the remainder of the powder.
197
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The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
ee the sump
“Now,” said he, “keep silence while 1 work the
charm!”
Having heard old Mombi Pronounce the magic
words, and having also succeeded in bringing the
Saw-Horse to life, Tip did not hesitate an instant
in speaking the three cabalistic words, each accom-
panied by the peculiar gesture of the hands.
It was a grave and impressive ceremony.
As he finished the incantation the Thing shud-
dered throughout its huge bulk, the Gump gave the
ranging cry that is familiar to those animals, and
then the four wings began
flopping furiously.
Tip managed to grasp
a chimney, else he would
have been blown off the , . ,
roof by the terrible breeze “7 (<I? Wes
tailed ey the wings. The rs ae Y
Scarecrow, being light | “ ae
in weight, was caught up WAY
bodily and borne through
the air until Tip luckily
seized him by one leg and
held bum fast. The Wog
gle-Bug lay flat upon the
roof and 80 escaped harm,
198
The Astonishing Flight of the Gump
paises Asien shaded Attest!
and the Tin Woodman, whose weight of tin an-
chored him firmly, threw both arms around Jack
Pumpkinhead and managed to save him. The Saw-
Horse toppled over upon his back and lay with his
les s waving helplessly above him.
And now, while all were struggling to recover
themselves, the Thing rose slowly from the roof and
mounted into the air.
“Here! Come back!” cried Tip, in a frightened
voice, as he clung to the chimney with one hand
and the Scarecrow with the other. «Come back at
once, I command you!”
Jt was now that the wisdom of the Scarecrow, in
bringing the head of the Thing to life instead of
the legs, was proved beyond a doubt. For the
Gump, already high in the air, turned its head at
Tip’s command and gradually circled aroand until
it could view the roof of the palace.
“Come back!” shouted the boy, again.
And the Gump obeyed, slowly and gracefully
waving its four wings in the air until the Thing had
settled once more upon the roof and become still.
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Jackdaws Nest
“This,” said the Gump, in a squeaky voice not
at all proportioned to the size of its great body, «is
the most novel experience I ever heard of The
last thing I remember distinctly is walking through
the forest and hearing a loud noise. Something
probably killed me then, and it certainly ought to
have been the end of me. Yet here I am, alive
again, with four monstrous wings and a body which
I venture to say would make any respectable animal
or fowl weep with shame to own. What does it all
mean? Am I a Gump, or am I a juggernaut?”
The creature, as it spoke, wiggled its chin whiskers
in a very comical manner.
“You're just a Thing,” answered Tin «with a
Gump’s head on it. And.we have n c- you ana
brought you to life so that you may carry us through
the air whe~ er we wish to go.”
201
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
eR at Rist tthe a Rll
“Very good!” said the Thing. “As I am not a
Gump, I cannot have a Gump's pride or independ-
ent spirit. So I may as well become your servant
as anything els_ = My only satisfaction is that I do
Not seem to have a very strong constitution, and am
not likely to live loug in a state of slavery.”
“Don’t say that, I beg of you!” cried the Tin
Woodman, whose excellent heart was strongly af-
fected by this sad speech. “Are you not feeling well
today?”
“Oh, as for that,” returned the Gump, “it is my
first day of existence; so I cannot judge whether I
am feeling well or ill.” And it waved its broom
tail to and fo in a pensive manner.
“Come, come!” said the Scarecrow, kindly; Jo try
to be more cheerful and take life as you find it. We
shall be kind masters, and will strive to render your
existence as pleasant as possible. Are you willing to
carry us through the air wherever we wish to go?”
“Certainly,” answered the Gump. “I greatly
prefer to navigate the air. For should I travel on
the earth and meet with one of my own species, my
embarrassment would be something awful!”
“I can appreciate that,” said the Tin Woodman,
sympathetically.
“And yet,” continued the Thing, “when I carefully
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
eC
fook you over, my masters, none of you seems to be
constructed much more artistically than I am.”
“Appearances are deceitful,” said the Woggle-Bug,
earnestly. «I am both Highly Magnified and
Thoroughly Educated.”
“Indeed!” murmured the Gump, indifferently.
“And my brains are considered remarkably rare
specimens,” added the Scarecrow, proudly,
“i.ow strange!” remarked the Gump.
“Although I am of tin,” said the Woodman, «I
vn a heart altogether the warmest and most ad-
tirable in the whole world.”
“I'm delighted to hear it,” replied the Gump, wth
a slight cough.
“My smile,” said Jack Pumpkinhead, «is worthy
your best attention. It is always the same.”
“Semper idem,” explained the Woggle-Bug, pom-
pously; and the Gump turned to stare at him.
“And I,” declared the Saw-Horse, filling in an
awkward pause, “am only remarkable because I can’t
help it.”
“I am proud, indeed, to meet with such excep-
tional masters,” said the Gump, in a careless tone.
“If I could but secure so complete an introduction
to myself, I would be more than satisfied.”
“That will come in time,” remarked the Scare
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
ee SE
crow. “To ‘Know Thyself is considered quite an
accomplishment, which it has taken us,who are your
elders, months to perfect. But now,” he added,
turning to the others, «let us get aboard and start
upon our journey.”
‘Where shall we -r0?” asked Tip, as he clambered
to a seat on the sotas and assisted the Pumpkinhead
to follow him.
“In the South Country rules a very delightful
Queen called Glinda the Good, who I am sure will
gladly receive us,” said the Scarecrow, getting into
the Thing clumsily. «Let us go to her and ask her
advice.”
“That is cleverly thought of,” declared Nick
Chopper, giving the Woggle-Bug a boost and then
toppling the Saw-Horse into the rear end of the
cushioned seats. «I know Glinda the Good, and
believe she will prove a friend indeed.”
“Are we all ready?” asked the boy.
“Yes,” announced the Tin Woodman, seating
himself beside the Scarecrow.
“Then,” said Tip, addressing the Gump, “be kind
enough to fly with us to the Southward; and do not
go higher than to escape the houses and trees, for it
makes me dizzy to be up so far.”
«All right,” answered the Gump, briefly,
|
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
It flopped its four huge wings and rose slowly into
the air; and then, while our little band of adventur-
ers clung to the backs and sides of the sofas for sup-
port, the Gump turned toward the South and soared
swiftly and majestically away.
«The scenic effect, from this altitude, is marvel-
ous,” commented the educated Woggle-Bug, as they
rode along.
“‘Never mind the scenery,” said the Scarecrow.
“Hold on tight, or you may get a tumble. The
Thing seems to rock badly.”
“It will be dark soon,” said Tip, observing that
the sun was low on the horizon. « Perhaps we should
have waited until morning. I wonder if the Gump
can fly in the night.”
“I’ve been wondering that myself,” returned the
Gump, quietly. “You see, this is a new experience
tome. I used to have legs that carried me swiftly
over the ground. But now my legs feel as if they
were asleep.”
“They are,” said Tip. “We didn’t bring’em to life.”
“You're expected to fly,” explained the Scare-
crow; “not to walk.”
“We can walk ourselves,” said the Woggle-Bug.
“I begin to understand what is required of me,”
remarked the Gump; “so I will do my best to
205
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
$i aws Nest
please you,” and he flew on for a time in silence,
Presently Jack Pumpkinhead became uneasy,
“I wonder if riding through the air is liable to
spoil pumpkins,” he said,
“Not unless you carelessly drop your head over
the side,” answered the Woggle-Bug. «Jn that event
your head would no longer be a pumpkin, for it
would become a squash.”
“Have I not asked you to restrain these unfeeling
jokes?” demanded Tip, looking at the Woggle-Bug
with a severe expression.
“You have; and I’ve restrained a good many of
them,” replied the insect. «But there are opportunities
for so many excellent puns in our language that, to
an educated person like myself, the temptation to
express them is almost irresistible.”
“People with more or less education discovered
those puns centuries ago,” said Tip.
“Are you sure?” asked the Woggle-Bug, with a
startled look.) ~.’
“Of course I am,” answered the boy. “An edu-
cated Woggle-Bug may be a new thing; but a Wog-
gle-Bug education is as old as the hills, judging from
the display you make of it.”
The insect seemed much impressed by this
remark, and for a time maintained a meek silence,
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
The Scarecrow, in shifting his seat, saw upon the
cushions the pepper-bex which Tip had cast aside,
and began to examine it.
“Throw it overboard,” said the boy; «it’s quite
empty now, and there’s no use keeping it.”
“Is it reall, empty?” asked the Scarecrow, look-
ing curiously into the box.
“Of course it is,’ answered Tip. «I shook out
every grain of the powder.”
‘Then the box has two bottoms,” announced the
Scarecrow; “for the bottom on the inside is fully
an inch away from the bottom on the outside.”
“Let me see,” said the Tin Woodman, taking the
box from his friend. “Yes,” he declared, after ic:ok-
ing it over, “the thing certainly has a false bottom.
Now, I wonder what that is for?”
“Can't you get it apart, and ..nd out?” enquired
Tip, now quite interested in the mystery.
“Why, yes; the lower bottom unscrews,” said the
Tin Woodman. «My fingers are rather stiff; please
see if you can open it.”
He handed the pepper-box to Tip, who had no
difficulty in unscrewing the bottom. And in the
cavity below were three silver pills, with a carefully
folded paper lying underneath them.
This paper the boy proceeded to unfold, taking
207.
n the Jackdaws’ Nest
care not to spill the pills, and found several lines
clearly written in red ink.
“Read it aloud,” said the Scarecrow; so Tip read
as follows:
“DR. NIKIDIK’S CELEBRATED WISHING PILLS,
“Directions for Use: Swallow one pill; count seventeen by twos; then make a Wish.
—The Wish will immediately be granted,
CAUTION: Keep in » Dry and Dark Place.””
“Why, this is a very valuable discovery!” cried
the Scarecrow.
“It is, indeed,” replied Tip, gravely. «These pills
may be of great use to us. I wonder if old Mombi
knew they were in the bottom of the pepper-box.
I remember hearing her say that she got the Powder
of Life from this same Nikidik.”
“He must be a powerful Sorcerer!” exclaimed
the Tin Woodman; «and since the powder proved
@ success we ought to have confidence in the pills.”
“But how,” asked the Scarecrow, “can anyone
count seventeen by twos? Seventeen is an odd
number.”
“That is true,” replied Tip, greatly disappointed.
“No one can possibly count seventeen by twos.”
“Then the pills are of no use to us,” wailed the
Pumpkinhead; and _this fact overwhelms me with
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
a ec NE NEEEENSEEEEEEEEEeeecereses
grief. For I had intended wishing that my head
would never spoil.”
“Nonsense!” said the Scarecrow, sharply. “If we
could use the pills at all we would make far better
wishes than that.”
“TI do not see how anything could be better,” pro-
tes'+d poor Jack. “If you were liable to spoil at any
time you could understand my anxiety.”
“For my part,” said the Tin Woodman, “I sympa-
thize with you in every respect. But since we cannot
count seventeen by twos, sympathy is all you are
liable to get.”
By this time it had become quite dark, and
the voyagers found above them a cloudy sky,
through which the rays of the moon could not
penetrate.
The Gump flew steadily on, and for some reason
the huge sofa-body rocked more and more dizzily
every hour.
The Woggle-Bug declared he was sea-sick; and
Tip was also pale and somewhat distressed. But the
others clung to the backs of the sofas and did not
seem to mind the motion as long as they were not
tipped out.
Darker and darke. _ -w the night, and on and on
sped the Gump through the black heavens. The
=
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
SN
travelers could not even see one another, and an
oppressive silence settled down upon them,
After a long time Tip, who had been thinking
deeply, spoke.
“How are we to know when we come to the pal-
ace of Glinda the Good?” he asked.
“It’s a long way to Glinda’s palace,” answered the
Woodman; «I’ve traveled it.”
“But how are we to know how fast the Gump is
flying?” persisted the boy. “We cannot see a single
thing down on the earth, and before morning we
may be far beyond the place we want to reach.”
“That is all true enough,” the Scarecrow replied,
a little uneasily. «But I do not see how we can
stop just now; fcr we might alight in a river, or on
the top of a steeple; and that would be a great dis-
aster.”
So they permitted the Gump to fly on, with reg.
ular flops of its great wings, and waited patiently for
morning.
Then Tip’s fears were proven to be well founded;
for with the first streaks of gray dawn they looked
over the sides of the sofas and discovered rolling
plains dotted with queer villages, where the houses,
instead of being dome-shaped—as they all arein the
Land of Oz—had slanting roofs that rose to a peak
210
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
Se Mth slat Ab Medes Ds
in the center. Odd iooking animals were also mov-
ing about upon the open plains, and the country was
unfamiliar to both the Tin Woodman and the Scare-
crow, who had formerly visited Glinda the Good’s
domain and knew it well.
“We are lost!” said the Scarecrow, dolefully.
“The Gump must have carried us entirely out of
the Land of Oz and over the sandy deserts and into
the terrible outside world that Dorothy told us
about.”
“We must get back,” exclaimed the Tin Wood-
man, earnestly; “we must get back as soon as pos-
sible!”
“Turn around!” cried Tip to the Gump; “turn
as quickly as you can!”
“If Ido I shall upset,” answered the Gump. «I’m
Dot at all used to flying, and the best plan would be
for me to alight in some place, and then I can turn
around and take a fresh start.”
Just then, however, there seemed to be no stop-
ping-place that would answer their purpose. They
flew over a village so big that the Woggle-Bug de-
clared it was a city; and then they came to a range
of high mountains with many deep gorges and steep
cliffs showing plainly.
« Now is our chance to stop,” said the boy, finding
211
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
pene tie oS i S SM
they were very close to the mountain tops. Then
he turned to the Gump and commanded: “Stop
at the first level place you see!”
“Very well,” answered the Gump, and settled
down upon a table of rock that stood between two
cliffs.
But not being experienced in such matters, the
Gump did not judge his speed correctly; and in-
stead of coming to a stop 1 von the flat rock he
missed it by half the width of his body, breaking off
both his right wings against the sharp edge of the
rock and then tumbling over and over down the
cliff.
Our friends held on to the sofas as long as they
could, but when the Gump caught on a projecting
rock the Thing stopped suddenly—bottom side up
—and all were immediately dumped out.
By good fortune they fell only a few feet; for
underneath them was < monster nest, built by a col-
ony of Jackdaws in a hollow ledge of rock; so none
of them—not even the Pumpkinhead—was injured
by the fall. For Jack found his precious head rest-
ing on the soft breast of the Scarecrow, which made
an excellent cushion; and Tip fell on a mass of
leaves and papers, which saved him from injury.
The Woggle-Bug had bumped his round head against
212
Wer
ola
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
we AA Ei be Rb A a Se
the Saw-Horse, but without causing him more than
a@ moment’s inconvenience.
The Tin Woodman was at first much alarmed;
but finding he had escaped without even a scratch
upon his beautiful nickle-plate he at once regained;
his accustomed cheerfulness and turned to address.
his comrades,
“Ourjourney has ended rather suddenly,” said he,
“and we cannot justly blame our friend the Gump
for our accident, because he did the best he could
under the circumstances. But how we are ever to
escape from this nest I must leave to someone with
better brains than I possess.”
Here he gazed at the Scarecrow; who crawled to
the edge of the nest and looked over. Below them
was a sheer precipice several hundred feet ia depth.
Above them was a smooth cliff unbroken save b
the point of rock where the wrecked body of the
Gump still hung suspended from the end of one of
the sofas. There really seemed to be no means of
escape, and as they realized their helpless plight the
little band of adventurers gave way to their bewil-
derment.
“This is a worse prison than the palace,” sadly
remarked the Woggle-Bug.
“I wish we had stayed there,” moaned Jack.
214
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
“I’m afraid the mountain air isn’t good for pump-
kins.”
“It won’t be when the Jackdaws come back,”
growled the Saw-Horse, which lay waving its legs in
a vain endeavor to get upon its feet again. «Jack-
daws are especially fond of pumpkins.”
“Do you think the birds will come here?” asked
Jack, much distressed.
“Of course they will,” said Tip; “for this is their
nest. And there must be hundreds of them,” he
continued, “for see what a lot of things they have
brought here!”
Indeed, the nest was half filled with a most cu-
rious collection of small articles for which the birds
could have no use, but which the thieving Jackdaws
had stolen during many years from the homes of
men. And as the nest was safely hidden where no
human being could reach it, this lost property would
never be recovered.
The Woggle-Bug, searching among the rubbish
—for the Jackdaws stole useless things as well as
valuable ones—turned up with his foot a beautiful
diamond necklace. This was so greatly admired by
the Tin Woodman that the Woggle-Bug presented
it to him with a ¢-aceful speech, after which the
Woodman hung it around his neck with much pride,
215
In the Jackdaws’ Nest
pi Pete RR, Ah lec ed Se a
rejoicing exceedingly when the big diamonds glittered
in the sun’s rays,
But now they heard a great jabbering and flop-
ping of wings, and as the sound grew nearer to them
Tip exclaimed:
“The Jackdaws are coming! And if they find us
here they will surely kill us in their anger.”
“I was afraid of this!” moaned the Pumpkinhead.
«My time has come!”
“And mine, also!” said the Woggle-Bug; «for
Jackdaws are the greatest enemies of my race.”
The others were not at all afraid; but the Scare-
crow at once decided to save those of the party who
were liable to be injured by the angry birds. So he
commanded Tip to take off Jack’s head and lie down
with it in the bottom of the nest, and when this was
done he ordered the Woggle-Bug to lie beside Tip.
Nick Chopper, who knew from past experience just
what to do, then took the Scarecrow to pieces—(all
except his soc scattered the straw over Tip
and the Woggle-Bug, completely covering their
bodies.
Hardly had this been accomplished when the flock
of Jackdaws reached them. Perceiving the intrud-
ers in their nest the birds few down upon them with
screams of rage.
217
2
Famous Wishing Pills
The Tin Woodman was usually a peaceful man,
but when occasion required he could fight as fiercely
as a Roman gladiator. So,when the Jackdaws nearly
knocked him down in their rush of wings, and their
sharp beaks and claws threatened to damage his
brilliant plating, the Woodman picked up his axe
and made it whirl swiftly around his head.
But although many were beaten off in this way,
the birds were so numerous and so brave that they
continued the attack as furiously as before. Some
of them pecked at the eyes of the Gump, which hung
over the nest in a helpless condition; but the Gump’s
eyes were of glass and could not be injured. Others
of the Jackdaws rushed at the Saw-Horse; but that
animal, being still upon his back, kicked out so
viciously with his wooden legs that he beat off as
many assailants as did the Woodman’s axe.
219
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
Finding themselves thus opposed, the birds
upon the Scarecrow’s straw,
of the nest, coverin
away and
straw by straw
g with dismay this
or, cried to the Tin
that good friend re-
om the peg of
and sank flopping into the
birds knew no bounds and
they fled screaming over the mountains.
When the last foe had disappeared, Tip crawled
from under the sofas and assisted the Woggle-Bug
to follow him.
“We are saved!” shouted the boy, delightedly,
“We are, indeed!” responded the Educated In-
sect, fairly hugging the stiff head of the Gump in his
joy; “and we owe it all to the flopping of the Thing
and the good axe of the Woodman!”
ime SR, a late I! © ay a wm Nas ed
> ae
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
“If I am saved, get me out of here!” called Jack,
whose head was still beneath the sofas; and Tip
managed to roll the
its neck again. He also set the Saw-Horse upright,
and said to it:
“We owe you many thanks for the gallant fight
you made.”
“I really think we have escaped very nicely,”
remarked the Tin Woodman, in a tone of pride.
“Not so!” exclaimed a hollow voice.
At this they all turned in surprise to look at the
Scarecrow’s head, which lay at the back of the nest.
“I am complete.
ly ruined!” declared
the Scarecrow, as he
noted their astonish-
ment. ‘For where
is the straw that
stuffs my body?”
The awful ques.
tion startled them
all They gazed
around the nest
with horror, for not
a vestige of straw
remained. The
pumpkin out and place it upon ‘a |
ie
af) < Be -
Se f
— 3!
Pe iE
ae
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
$$ sing Fills
Jackdaws had stolen it to the last wisp and flung it
all into the chasm that yawned for hundreds of
feet beneath the nest.
“My poor, poor friend!” said the Tin Woodman,
taking up the Scarecrow’s head and caressing it
tenderly; «whoever could imagine you would come
to this untimely end?”
“I did it to save my friends,” returned the head;
“and I am glad that I perished in so noble and
unselfish a manner.”
“But why are you all so despondent?” inquired
the Woggle-Bug. «The Scarecrow’s clothing is
still safe.”
“Yes,” answered the Tin Woodman; «but our
friend’s clothes are useless without stuffing.”
“Why not stuff him with money?” asked Tip.
“Money!” they all cried, in an amazed chorus.
“To be sure,” said the boy. «In the bottom of
the nest are thousands of dollar bills—and two-
dollar billsk—and five-dollar bills—and tens, and
twenties, and fifties. There are enough of them to
stuff a dozen Scarecrows. Why not use the money?”
The Tin Woodman began to turn over the rub-
bish with the handle of his axe 3 and, sure enough,
what they had first thought only worthless papers
were found to be-all bills of various denominations,
222
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
which the mischievous Jackdaws had for years been
engaged in stealing from the villages and cities
they visited.
There was an immense fortune lying
in that inaccessible nest; and Tip’s
suggestion was, with the Scare-
crow’s consent, quickly acted upon.
They selected all the newest and
cleanest bills and assorted
them into various piles. The
Scarecrow’s left leg and
boot were stuffed
with five-dollar bills;
his right leg was
stuffed with ten-
dollar bills, and his
body so closely filled
with fifties, one-
hundreds and one-
thousands that he
could scarcely but-
ton his jacket with
comfort.
“You are now,” said the Woggle-Bug, impress-
ively, when the task had been completed, «the
most valuable member of our party; and as you
223
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
$$ Sing Fills
are among faithful friends there is little danger of
your being spent.”
“Thank you,” returned the Scarecrow, gratefully.
“T feel like a new man; and although at first glance
I might be mistaken for a Safety Deposit Vault, I beg
you to remember that my Brains are still composed
of the same old material. And these are the posses-
sions that have always made me a person to be
depended upon in an emergency.”
“Well, the emergency is here,” observed Tip; “and
unless your brains help us out of it we shall be com-
pelled to pass the remainder of our lives in this nest.”
“How about these wishing pills?” enquired the
Scarecrow, taking the box from his jacket pocket.
“Can’t we use them to escape?”
“Not unless we can count seventeen by twos,”
answered the Tin Woodman. “But our friend the
Woggle-Bug claims to be highly educated, so he ought
easily to figure out how that can be done.”
“Tt isn’t a question of education,” returned the
Insect; “it’s merely a question of mathematics. [’ye
seen the Professor work lots of sums on the black-
board, and he claimed anything could be done with
x’s and y’s and a’s, and such things, by mixing them
up with plenty of plusses and minuses and equals,
and so forth. But he never said anything, so far as
224
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
I can remember, about counting up to the odd
number of seventeen by the even numbers of twos,”
“Stop! stop!” cried the Pumpkinhead. «You're
making my head ache.”
“And mine,” added the Scarecrow. “Your math-
ematics seem to me very like a bottle of mixed
pickles—the more you fish for what you want the
less chance you have of getting it. I am certain
that if the thing can be accomplished at all, it is in
a very simple manner.”
“Yes,” said Tip; “old Mombi couldn’t use x’s
and minuses, for she never went to school.”
«‘Why not start counting at a half of one?” asked
the Saw-Horse, abruptly. “Then anyone can count
up to seventeen by twos very easily.”
They looked at each other in surprise, for the
Saw-Horse was considered the most stupid of the
entire party.
“You make me quite ashamed of myself,” said the
Scarecrow, bowing low to the Saw-Horse.
“ Nevertheless, the creature is right,” declared the
Wogg!e-Bug; for twice one-half is onz, and if you
get to one it is easy to count from one up to seven-
teen by twos.”
“I wonder I didn’t think of that myself,” said
the Pumpkinhead.
225
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
pac At catbcaubt Milla deta Me ns Mah
“I don’t,” returned the Scarecrow. “You're no
wiser than the rest of us, are you? But let us make
a wish at once. Who will swallow the first pill?”
“Suppose you do it,” suggested Tip.
“I can’t,” said the Scarecrow.
“Why not? You've a mouth, haven't you?”
asked the boy.
“Yes; but my mouth is painted on, and there’s
no swallow connected with it,” answered zhe Scare-
crow. “In fact,” he continued, looking from one
to another critically, «I believe the boy and the
Woggle-Bug are the only ones in our party that are
able to swallow.”
Observing the truth of this remark, Tip said:
“Then 1 will undertake to make the first wish.
Give me one of the Silver Pills.”
This the Scarecrow tried to do; but his padded
gloves were too clumsy to clutch so small an object,
and he held the box toward the boy while Tip se-
lected one of the pills and swallowed it.
“Count!” cried the Scarecrow.
“One-half, one, three, five, seven, nine, even,
thirteen, fifteen, seventeen!” counted Tip.
“Now wich!” said the Tin Woodman anxiously.
But just then the boy began to suffer such fearful
pains that he became alarmed,
226
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
“The pill has poisoned me!” he gasped; «O—h!
O-o-0-0-o! Ouch! Murder! Fire! O-o-h!” and here
he rolled upon the bottom of the nest in such con-
tortions that he frightened them all.
“What can we do for you? Speak, I beg!” ene
treated the Tin Woodman, tears of sympathy running
down his nickel cheeks.
“I—I don’t know!” answered Tip. «O—h! I
wish I’d never swallowed that pill!”
Then at once the pain stopped, and the boy rose
to his feet again and found the Scarecrow looking
with amazement at the end of the pepper-box.
“What’s happened?” asked the boy, a little
ashamed of his recent exhibition.
“Why, the three pills are in the box again!” said
the Scarecrow.
“Of course they are,” the Woggle-
Bug declared. “Didn’t Tip wish that
he’d never swallowed one of them?
Well, the wish came true, and he didn’t
swallow one of them. So of course
they are all three in the box.”
“That may be; but the pill gave me
a dreadful pain, just the same,” said the
boy.
“Impossible!” declared the Woggle-
227
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
pati thle aise cent eae, MMe
Bug. “If you have never swallowed it, the pill can
not have given you a pain. And as your wish, being
granted, proves you did not swallow the pill, it is
also plain that you suffered no pain.”
“Then it was a splendid imitation of a pain,” re-
torted Tip, an,vily. “Suppose you try the next pill
yourself. We've wasted one wish already.”
“Oh, no, we haven't!” protested the Scarecrow.
“Here are still three pills in the box, and each pill
is good for a wish.”
“‘Now you’re making my head ache,” said Tip.
“I can’t understand the thing at all. But I won’t
take another pill, I promise you!” and with this
remark he retired sulkily to the back of the nest.
“Well,” said the Woggle-Bug, “it remains for me
to save us in my most Highly Magnified and Thor-
oughly Educated manner; for I seem to be the only
one able and willing to make a wish. Let me have
one of the pills.”
He swallowed it without hesitation, and they all
stood admiring his courage while the Insect counted
seventeen by twos in the same way that Tip had
done. And for some reason— perhaps because
Woggle-Bugs have stronger stomachs than boys—
the silver pellet caused it no pain whatever.
“I wish the Gump’s broken wings mended, and
228
Dr. Nikidik’s Famous Wishing Pills
as good as new!” said the Woggle-Bug, in a slow,
impressive voice.
All turned to look at the Thing, and so quickly
had the wish been granted that the Gump lay before
them in perfect repair, and as well able to fly through
the air as when it had first been brought to life on
the roof of the palace.
~~
ge Metnencins EE |
me Glinda the Gown
“Hooray!” shouted the Scarecrow, gaily. “We
can now leave this miserable Jackdaws’ nest when-
ever we please.”
“But it is nearly dark,” said the Tin Woodman;
“and unless we wait until morning to make our
flight we may get into more trouble. I don’t like
these night trips, for one never knows what will
happen.”
So it was decided to wait until daylight, and the
adventurers amused themselves in the twilight by
searching the Jackdaws’ nest for treasures.
The Woggle-Bug found two handsome bracelets
of wrought gold, which fitted his slender arms very
well. The Scarecrow took a fancy for rings, of
which there were many in the nest. Before long he
231
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
had fitted a ring to each finger of his padded gloves,
and not being content with that display he added
one more to each thumb. As he carefully chose
those rings set with sparkling stones, such as rubies,
amethysts and sapphires, the Scarecrow’s hands now
presented a most brilliant appearance.
“This nest would be a Picnic for Queen Jinjur,”
said he, musingly; «for as nearly as I can make out
she and her girls conquered me merely to rob my
city of its emeralds,”
The Tin Woodman was content with his diamond
necklace and refused to accept any additional dec-
Orations; but Tip secured a fine gold watch, which
was attached to a heavy fob, and placed it in his
pocket with much pride. He also pinned several
jeweled brooches to Jack Pumpkinhead’s red waist-
coat, and attached a lorgnette, by means of a fine
chain, to the neck of the Saw-Horse,
“It’s very pretty,” said the creature, regarding the
lorgnette approvingly; «but what is it for?”
None of them could answer that question, how-
ever; so the Saw-Horse decided it was some rare
decoration and became very fond of it,
That none of the party might be slighted, they
ended by placing several large seal rings upon the
Points of the Gump’s antlers, although that odd
232
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
SR
personage seemed by no means gratified by the
attention.
Darkness soon fell upon them, and Tip and the
Woggle-Bug went to sleep while the others sat
down to wait patiently for the day.
Next morning they had cause to congratulate
themselves upon the useful condition of the Gump;
for with daylight a great flock of Jackdaws ap-
proached to engage in one more battle for the
possession of the nest.
But our adventurers did not wait for the assault,
They tumbled into the cushioned seats of the sofas
as quickly as possible, and Tip gave the word to the
Gump to start.
At once it rose into the air, the great wings flop-
ping strongly and with regular Motions, and in a few
moments they were so far from the nest that the
chattering Jackdaws took Possession without any
attempt at pursuit.
The Thing flew due North, going in the same
direction from whence it had come. At least, that
was the Scarecrow’s opinion, and the others agreed
that the Scarecrow was the best judge of direction.
After passing over several cities and villages the Gump
carried them high above a broad plain where houses
became more and more scattered until they
233
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
disappeared altogether. Next came the wide, sandy
desert separating the rest of the world from the Land
of Oz, and before noon they saw the dome-shaped
houses that proved they were once more within the
borders of their native land,
“But the houses and fences are blue,” said the
Tin Woodman, «and that indicates we are in the
land of the Munchkins, and therefore a long distance
from Glinda the Good.”
“What shall we do?” asked the boy, turning to
their guide.
“I don’t know,” replied the Scarecrow, frankly,
“If we were at the Emerald City we could then
move directly southward, and so reach our desti-
nation. But we dare not go the Emerald City, and
the Gump is probably carrying us further in the
wrong direction with every flop of its wings.”
“Then the Woggle-Bug must swallow another
pill,” said Tip, decidedly, «and wish us headed in
the right direction.”
“Very well,” returned the Highly Magnified one;
“I'm willing.”
But when the Scarecrow searched in his pocket
for the pepper-box containing the two silver Wishing
Pills, it was not to be found. Filled with anxiety,
the voyagers hunted throughout everv inck of the
234
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
es iolciltersiatiaeth adele a ica teeta onn
Thing for the precious box; but it had disappeared
entirely.
And still the Gump flew onward, carrying them
they knew not where.
“I must have left the pepper-box in the Jack-
dawe’ nest,” said the Scarecrow, at length.
“It is a great misfortune,” the Tin Wvodman
declared. «But we are no worse off than before we
discovered the Wishing Pills.”
“We are better off,” replied Tip; “for the one
pill we used has enabled us to escape from that
horrible nest.”
“Yet the loss of the other two is serious, and J
deserve a good scolding for my carelessness,” the
Scarecrow rejoined, penitently, «For in such an
unusual party as this accidents are liable to happen
any moment, and even now we may be approaching
a new danger.”
No one dared contradict this, and a dismal silence
ensued,
The Gump flew steadily on.
Suddenly Tip uttered an exclamation of surprise.
“We must have reached the South Country,” he
cried, “for below us everything is red!”
Immediately they all leaned over the backs of the
sofas to look—all except Jack, who was too careful
235
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
of his pumpkin head to risk its slipping off his neck,
Sure enough; the red houses and fences and trees
indicated they were within the domain of Glinda
the Good; and presently, as they glided rapidly on,
the Tin Woodman recognized the roads and build-
ings they passed, and altered slightly the flight of
hw
é
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
the Gump so that they might reach the palace of
the celebrated Sorceress.
“Good!” cried the Scarecrow, delightedly. «We
do not need the lost Wishing Pills now, for we have
arrived at our destination.”
Gradually the Thing sank lower and nearer to
the ground until at length it came to rest within the
beautiful gardens of Glinda, settling upon a velvety
green lawn close by a fountain which sent sprays of
flashing gems, instead of water, high into the air,
whence they fell with a soft, tinkling sound into the
carved marble basin placed to receive them.
Everything was very gorgeous in Glinda’s gardens,
and while our voyagers gazed about with admiring
eyes a company of soldiers silently appeared and
surrounded them. But these soldiers of the great
Sorceress were entirely different from those of Jin-
jur’s Army of Revolt, although they were likewise
girls. For Glinda’s soldiers wore neat uniforms and
bore swords and spears; and they marched with a
skill and precision that proved them well trained in
the arts of war.
The Captain commanding this troop —which was
Glinda’s private Body Guard —recognized the Scare-
crow and the Tin Woodman at once, and greeted
them with respectful salutations.
237
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
“Good day!” said the Scarecrow, gallantly remov-
ing his hat, while the Woodman gave a soldierly
salute; “we have come to request an audience with
your fair Ruler.”
“Glinda is now within her palace, awaiting you,”
.Teturned the Captain; “for she saw you coming
long before you arrived.”
“That is strange!” said Tip, wondering,
“Not at all,” answered the Scarecrow; “for Glinda
the Good is a mighty Sorceress, and nothing that
goes on in the Land of Oz escapes her notice. I
suppose she knows why we came as well as we do
ourselves.”
“Then what was the use of our coming?” asked
Jack, stupidly,
“To prove you area Pumpkinhead!”
retorted the Scarecrow, « But, if the
ects us, we must not keep
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
So they all clambered out of the sofas and fol-
lowed the Captain toward the palace—even the
Saw-Horse taking his place in the queer procession.
Upon her throne of finely wrought gold sat Glinda,
and she could scarcely repress a smile as her pecul-
iar visitors entered and bowed before her. Both the
Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman she knew and
liked; but the awkward Pumpkinhead and Highly
Magnified Woggle-Bug were creatures she had never
seen before,and they seemed even more curious than
the others. As for the Saw-Horse, he looked to be
nothing more than an animated chunk of wood;
and he bowed so stiffly that his head bumped against
the floor, causing a ripple of laughter among the
soldiers, in which Glinda frankly joined.
“I beg to announce to your glorious highness,”
began the Scarecrow, in a solemn voice, “that my
Emerald City has been overrun by a crowd of impu-
dent girls with knitting-needles, who have enslaved
all the men, robbed the streets and public build-
ings of all their emerald jewels, and usurped my
throne.”
«I know it,” said Glinda.
«They also threatened to destroy me, as well as
all the good friends and allies you see before you,”
continued the Scarecrow; “and had we not managed
i Mee = To
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The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
fo escape their clutches our days would long since
have ended.”
“I know it,” repeated Clinda.
“Therefore I have come to beg your assistance,”
resumed the Scarecrow, “for I bel;
t the unfortunat
' That is true,”
e
What right have I ¢
“Why, she stole
Scarecrow,
“And how came you to Possess the throne?” asked
Glinda,
“I got it from the Wizard of Oz, and by the choice
of the people,” returned the Scarecrow, uneasy at
such questioning,
“And where did the Wizard get it?” she continued,
gravely.
“I am told he took j
King,” said the Scarecro
the intent look of the
“Then,”
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
humbly; “but Pastoria is now dead and gone, and
some one must rule in his place.”
« Pastoria had a daughter, who is the rightful heir
to the throne of the Emerald City. Did you know
that?” questioned the Sorceress.
“No,” replied the Scarecrow. “But if the girl still
lives I will not stand in her way. It will satisfy me as
well to have Jinjur turned out, as an impostor, as to
regain the throne myself. In fact, it isn’t much fun
to be King, especially if one has good brains. I
have known for some time that I am fitted to oc-
cupy a far more exalted position. But where is
this girl who owns the throne, and what is her
name?”
“Her name is Ozma,” answered Glinda. «But
where she is I have tried in vain to discover. For
the Wizard of Oz, when he stole the throne from
Ozma’s father, hid the girl in some secret place; and
by means of a magical trick with which I am not,
familiar he also managed to prevent her being dis-
covered—even by so experienced a Sorceress as
myself.”
«That is strange,” interrupted the Woggle-Bug,
pompously. «I have been informed that the Won-
derful Wizard of Oz was nothing more than a
humbug!”
241
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
“Nonsense!” ¢ claimed the Scarecrow, much
provoked by this speech. «Didn't he give me a
wonderful set of brains?”
“There's no humbug about my heart,” announced
the Tin Woodman, glaring indignantly at the Wog-
gle-Bug.
“Perhaps I was misinformed,” stammered the
Insect, shrinking back; «I never knew the Wizard
personally.”
“Well, we did,” retorted the Scarecrow, “and he
was a very great Wizard, I assure you. It is true
he was guilty of some slight impostures, but unless
he was a great Wizard how—let me ask—could
he have hidden this girl Ozma so securely that no
one can find her?”
“I—I give it up!” replied the Woggle-Bug, meekly.
“That is the most sensible speech you've made,”
said the Tin Woodman.
“I must really make another effort to discover
where this girl is hidden,” sumed the Sorceress,
thoughtfully. «I have in my library a book in which
is inscribed every action of the Wizard while he was
in our land of Oz—or, at least, €very action that
could be observed by my spies. This book I will
read carefully tonight, and try to single out the acts
that may guide us in discovering the lost Ozma. In
242
ww = aS CP oP
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
the meantime, pray amuse yourselves in my
palace and command my servants as if they were
your own. I will grant you another audience
tomorrow.”
With this gracious speech Glinda dismissed the
adventurers, and they wandered away through the
beautiful gardens, where they passed several hours
enjoying all the delightful things with which the
Queen of the Southland had surrounded her royal
palace.
On the following morning they again appeared
before Glinda, who said to them:
«I have searched carefully through the records of
the Wizard’s actions, and among them I can find
but three that appear to have been suspicious. He
ate beans with a knife, made three secret visits to old
Mombi, and limped slightly on his left foot.”
“Ah! that last is certainly suspicious!” exclaimed
the Pumpkinhead.
“Not necessarily,” said the Scarecrow; “he may
have had corns. Now, it seems to me his eating
beans with a knife is more suspicious.”
“Perhaps it is a polite custom in Omaha, from
which great country the Wizard originally came,”
suggested the Tin Woodman.
“It may be,” admitted the Scarecrow.
243
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
emanates tee ee
“But why,” asked Glinda, «did he make three
secret visits to old Mombi?”
“Ah! Why, indeed!” echoed the Woggle-Bug,
impressively,
“We know that the Wizard taught the old woman
many of his tricks of magic,” continued Glinda;
“and this he would not have done had she not as-
sisted him in some way. So we may suspect with
good reason that Moiubi aided him to hide the girl
Ozma, who was the real heir to the throne of the
Emerald City, aa a constant danger to the usurper.
For, if the people knew that she lived, they would
quickly make her their Queen and restore her to her
rightful position.”
“An able argument!” cried the Scarecrow. «]
have no doubt that Mombi was mixed up in this
wicked business. But how does that knowledge
help us?”
“We must find Mombi,” replied Glinda, “and
force her to tell where the girl is hidden.”
“Mombi is now with Queen Jinjur, in the Em-
erald City,” said Tip. «It was she who threw so
many obstacles in our pathway, and made Jinjur
threaten to destroy my friends and give me back
into the cld witch’s power.”
“Then,” decided Glinda, «I will march with my
244
The Scarecrow Appeals to Glinda
army to the Emerald City, and take Mombi prisoner.
After that we can, perhaps, force her to tell the
truth about Ozma.”
“She is a terrible old woman!” remarked Tip,
with a shudder at the thought of Mombi’s black
kettle; “and obstinate, too.”
«I am quite obstinate myself,” returned the Sor-
ceress, with a sweet smile; “so I do not fear Mombi
in the least. Today I will make all necessary prep~
arations, and we will march upon the Emerald City
at daybreak tomorrow.”
She isa terrible old woman.”
The Army of Glinda
the Good looked very
BX. grand and imposing when
it assembled at daybreak
before the palace gates. The uni-
forms of the girl soldiers were
pretty and of gay colors, and
their silver-tipped spears were
bright and glistening, the long
shafts being inlaid with mother-
of-pearl. All the officers wore
sharp, gleaming swords, and shields
edged with peacock-feathers; and it really seemed
that no foe could by any possibility defeat such a
brilliant army.
The Sorceress rode in a beautiful palanquin which
was like the body of a coach, having doors and
247
[nore ee ate on cite a at TH
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
windows with silken curtains; but instead of wheels,
which a coach has, the palanquin rested upon two
long, horizontal bars, which were borne upon the
shoulders of twelve servants.
The Scarecrow and his comrades decided to ride
in the Gump, it. order to keep up with the swift
march of the army; 80, as soon as Glinda had started
and her soldiers had marched away to the inspiring
strains of music played by the royal band, our friends
climbed into the sofas and followed. The Gump
flew along slowly at a point directly over the palan-
quin in which rode the
Sorceress.
“Be careful,” said the
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The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
Tin Woodman to the Scarecrow, who was leaning
far over the side to look at the army below. “You
might fall.”
“It wouldn’t matter,” remarked the educated
Woggle-Rug; “he can’t get broke so long as he is
stuffed wich money.”
“Didn’t I ask you—” began Tip, in a reproach-
ful voice.
“You did!” said the Woggle-Bug, promptly. «And I
beg your pardon. I will really try to restrain myself.”
“You'd better,” declared the boy. «That is, if
you wish to travel in our company.”
“Ah! I couldn’t bear to part with you now,”
murmured the Insect, feelingly; so Tip let the sub-
ject drop.
The army moved steadily on, but night had fallen
before they came to the walls of the Emerald City.
By the dim light of the new moon, however, Glinda’s
forces silently surrounded the city and pitched their
tents of scarlet silk upon the greensward. The tent
of the Sorceress was larger than the others, and was
composed of pure white silk, with scarlet banners
flying above it. A tent was also pitched for the
Scarecrow’s party; and when these preparations had
been made, with military precision and quickness,
the army retired to rest.
249
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
$$$ nicks _a_ ose
Great was the amazement of Queen Jinjur next
morning when her soldiers came running to inform
her of the vast army surrounding them. She at
once climbed to a high tower of the royal palace
and saw banners waving in every direction and the
great white tent of Glinda standing directly
iY before the gates.
“Weare surely lost!” cried Jinjar, in despair;
“for how can our knitting-needles avail against
the long spears and terrible swords of our foes?”
“The best thing we can do,” said one of the
girls, “is to surrender as quickly as possible,
before we get hurt.”
“Not 60,” returned Jinjur, more bravely.
«The enemy is still outside the walls, so we must
try to gain time by engaging them in parley.
~ Go you with a flag of truce to Glinda and ask
2 her why she has dared to invade my dominions,
and what are her demands.”
So the girl passed through the gates, bear-
ing a white flag to show she was on a mission
of peace, and came to Glinda’s tent.
“Tell your Queen,” said the Sorceress to the
_ girl,“ that she must deliver up to meold Mombi,
to be my prisoner. If this is done I will not
molest her farther.”
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
ere ee eee
Now when this message was delivered to the Queen
it filled her with dismay, for Mombi was her chief
counsellor, and Jinjur was terribly afraid of the old
hag. But she sent for Mombi, and told her what
Glinda had said.
“I see trouble ahead for all of us,” muttered the
old witch, after glancing into a magic mirror she
carried in her pocket. «But we may even yet escape
by deceiving this sorceress, clever as she thinks
herself.”
“Don’t you think it will be safer for me to deliver
you into her hands?” asked Jinjur, nervously.
“If you do, it will cost you the throne of the
Emerald City!” answered the witch, positively, «But,
if you will let me have my own way, I can save us
both very easily.”
“Then do as you please,” replied Jinjur, «for it
is so aristocratic to be a Queen that I do not wish
to be obliged to return home again, to make beds
and wash dishes for my mother.”
So Mombi called Jellia Jamb to her, and performed
a certain magical rite with which she was familiar.
As a result of the enchantment Jellia took on the
form and features of Mombi, while the old witch
grew to resemble the girl so closely that it seemed
impossible anyone could guess the deception.
251
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
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“Now,” said old Mombi to the Queen, “let your
soldiers deliver up this girl to Glinda. She will think
she has the real Mombi in her power, and so will
return immediately to her own country in the South.”
Therefore Jellia, hobbling along like an aged
woman, was led from the city gates and taken before
Glinda.
“Here is the person you demanded,” said one of
the guards, “and our Queen now begs you will go
away, as you promised, and leave us in peace.”
“That I will surely do,” replied Glinda, much
pleased; «if this is really the person she seems to be.”
“It is certainly old Mombi,” said the guard, who
believed she was speaking the truth 3 and then Jinjur’s
soldiers returned within the city’s gates,
252
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
The Sorceress quickly summoned the Scarecrow
and his friends to her tent, and began to question the
supposed Mombi about the lost girl Ozma, But
Jellia knew nothing at all of this affair, and presently
she grew so nervous under the questioning that she
gave way and began to weep, to Glinda’s great ase
tonishment.
“Here is some foolish trickery!” said the Sorceress,
her eyes flashing with anger. «This is not Mombi
at all, but some other person who has been made to
resemble her! Tell me,” she demanded, turning to
the trembling girl, «what is your name?”
This Jellia dared not tell, having been threatened
with death by the witch if she confessed the fraud.
But Glinda, sweet and fair though she was, understood
magic better than any other person in the Land of
Oz. So, by uttering a few potent words and making
a peculiar gesture, she quickly transformed the girl
into her proper shape, while at the same time old
Mombi, far away in Jinjur’s palace, suddenly resumed
her own crooked form and evil features.
“Why, it’s Jellia Jamb!” cried the Scarecrow, rec-
ognizing in the girl one of his old friends.
“It’s our interpreter!” said the Pumpkinhead,
smiling pleasantly.
Then Jellia was forced to tell of the trick Mombi
253
had played, and she also begged Glinda’s protection,
which the Sorceress readily granted. But Glinda was
now really angry, and sent word to Jinjur that the
fraud was discovered and she must deliver up the real
Mombi or suffer terrible consequences. Jinjur was
prepared for this message, for the witch wel! undere
stood, when her natural form was thrust upon her,
that Glinda had discovered her trickery. But the
wicked old creature had already thought up a new
deception, and had made Jinjur promise to carry it
out. So the Queen said to Glinda’s messenger:
“Tell your mistress that I cannot find Mombi
anywhere; but that Glinda is welcome to enter the
254
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
city and search herself for the old woman. She may
also bring her friends with her, if she likes; but if she
does not find Mombi by sundown, the Sorceress must
promise to go away peaceably and bother us no more.”
Glinda agreed to these terms, well knowing that
Mombi was somewhere within the city walls. So
Jinjur caused the gates to be thrown open, and Glinda
marched in at the head of a company of soldiers, fol-
lowed by the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, while
Jack Pumpkinhead rode astride the Saw-Horse,
and the Educated, Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug
sauntered behind in a dignified manner. Tip walked
by the side of the Sorceress, for Glinda had conceived
a great liking for the boy.
Of course old Mombi had no intention of being
found by Glinda; so, while her enemies were march-
ing up the street, the witch transformed herself into
a red rose growing upon a bush in the garden of the
palace. It was a clever idea, and a trick Glinda did
not suspect; so several precious hours were spent in
a vain search for Momt..
As sundown approached the Sorceress realized
she had been defeated by the superior cunning of the
aged witch; so she gave the command to her people
to march out of the city and back to their tents.
The Scarecrow and his comrades happened to be
255
The Tin Woodman Plucks a Rose
searching in the garden of the palace just then, and
they turned with disappointment to obey Glinda’s
command. But before they left the garden the Tin
Woodman, who was fond of flowers, chanced to espy
a big red rose growing upon a bush; so he plucked
the flower and fastened it securely in the tin button-
hole of his tin bosom.
As he did this he fancied he heard a low moan
proceed from the rose; but he paid no attention to
the sound, and Mombi was thus carried out of the
city and into Glinda’s camp without anyone having
# suspicion that they had succeeded in their quest.
atime tg:
2 oe pK.
The ee rae
% Old Mombi
The Witch was at first frightened at finding her-
self captured by the enemy; but soon she decided
that she was exactly as safe in the Tin Woodman’s
button-hole as growing upon the bush. For no one
knew the rose and Mombi to be one, and now that
she was without the gates of the City her chances of
escaping altogether from Glinda were much improved.
“But there is no hurry,” thought Mombi. «I will
wait awhile and enjoy the humiliation of this Sor-
ceress when she finds I have outwitted her.”
So throughout the night the rose lay quietly on the
Woodman’s bosom, and in the morning, when Glinda
summoned our friends to a consultation, Nick Chop-
per carried his pretty flower with him to the white
silk tent.
=.
“For some reason,” said Glinda, “we have failed
to find this cunning old Mombi; so I fear our expe:
dition will prove a failure. And for that I am sorry,
because without our assistance little Ozma will never
be rescued and restored to her rightful position as
Queen of the Emerald City.”
“Do not let us give up so easily,” said the Pump-
kinhead. «Let us do something else.”
“Something else must really be done,” replied
Glinda, with a smile; «yet I cannot understand how
I have been defeated so easily by an old Witch who
knows far less of magic than I do myself.”
“While we are on the ground I believe it would
be wise for us to conquer the Emerald City for Prin-
cess Ozma, and find the girl afterward,” said the
Scarecrow. “And while the girl remains hidden I
will gladly rule in her place, for I understand the
business of ruling much better than Jinjur does.”
258
The Transformation of Old Momby
cine tls hs RS ate Mites
“But I have promised not to molest Jinjur,’ ob-
jected Glinda.
“Suppose you all return with me to my kingdom
—or Empire, rather,” said the Tin Woodman, po-
litely including the entire party in a royal wave of
his arm. “It will give me great pleasure to entertain
you in my castle, where there is room enough and
to spare. And if any of you wish to be nickel-plated,
my valet will do it free of all expense.”
While the Woodman was speaking Glinda’s eyes
had been noting the rose in his button-hole, and
now she imagined she saw the big red leaves of the
flower tremble clightly. This quickly aroused her
suspicions, and in a moment more the Sorceress had
decided that the seeming rose was nothing else than
a transformation of old Mombi. At the same instant
Mombi knew she was discovered and must quickly
plan an escape, and as transformations were easy to
her she immediately took the form of a Shadow and
glided along the wall of the tent toward the entrance,
thinking thus to disappear.
But Glinda had not only equal cunning, but far
more experience than the Witch. So the Sorceress
reached the opening of the tent before the Shadow,
and with a wave of her hand closed the entrance so
securely that Mombi could not find a crack big
259
The Transformation of Old Mombi
enough to creep through. The Scarecrow and his-
friends were greatly surprised at Glinda’s actions; for
none of them had noted the Shadow. But the Sor-
ceress said to them:
«Remain perfectly quiet, all of you! For the old
Witch is even now with us in this tent, and I hope
to capture her.”
These words so alarmed Mombi that she quickly
transformed herself from a shadow to a Black Ant,
in which shape she crawled along the ground, seek-
ing a crack or crevice in which to hide her tiny body.
Fortunately, the ground where the tent had been
pitched, being just before the city gates, was hard
and smooth; and while the Ant still crawled about,
Glinda discovered it and ran quickly forward to effect
its capture. But, just as her hand was descending,
the Witch, now fairty frantic with fear, made her
last transformation, and in the form of a huge Griffin
sprang through the wall of the tent—tearing the
silk asunder in her rush-——and in a moment had
darted away with the speed of a whirlwind.
Glinda did not hesitate to follow. She sprang
upon the back of the Saw-[Horse and cried:
«« Now you shall prove that you have a right to be
alive! Run—run—run!”
The Saw-Horse ran. Like a flash he followed the
260
The Transformation of Old Mombi
Griffin, his wooden legs moving so fast that they
twinkled like the rays of a star. Before our friends
could recover from their surprise both the Griffin
and the Saw-Horse had dashed out of sight.
“Come! Let us follow!” cried the Scarecrow.
They ran to the place where the Gump was lying
and quickly tumbled aboard.
“Fly!” commanded Tip, eagerly,
“Where to?” esked the Gump, in its calm voice.
“TI don’t know,” returned Tip, who was very
nervous at the delay; «but if you will mount into
the air I think we can discover which way Glinda
has gone.”
The Transformation of Old Mombi
“Very well,” returned the Gump, quietly; and it
spread its great wings and mounted high into the air.
Far away, across the meadows, they could now
see two tiny specks, speeding one after the other;
and they knew these specks must be the Griffin and
the Saw-Horse. So Tip called the Gump’s attention
to them and bade the creature try to overtake the
Witch and the Sorceress. But, swift as was the Gump’s
flight, the pursued and pursuer moved more swiftly
yet, and within a few moments were blotted out
against the dim horizon.
“Let us continue to follow them, nevertheless,”
said the Scarecrow; “for the Land of Oz is of small
extent, and sooner or later they must both come to
a halt.”
Old Mombi had thought herself very wise to
choose the form of a Griffin, for its legs were exceed-
ingly fleet and its strength more enduring than that
of other animals, But she had not reckoned on the
untiring energy of the Saw-Horse, whose wooden
limbs could run for days without slacking their speed.
Therefore, after an hour’s hard running, the Griffin’s
breath began to fail, and it panted and gasped pain-
fully, and moved more slowly than before. Then it
reached the edge of the desert and began racing
across the deep sands. But its tired feet sank far
262
The Transformation of Old Mombi
into the sand, and in a few minutes the Griffin fell
forward, completely exhausted, and lay still upon
the desert waste.
Glinda came up a moment later, riding the still
vigorous Saw-Horse; and having unwound.a slender
golden thread from her girdle the Sorceress threw
it over the head of the panting and helpless Griffin,
and so destroyed the magical power of Mombi’s
transformation.
For the animal, with one fierce shudder, disap-
peared from view, while in its place was discovered
the form of the old Witch, glaring savagely at the
serene and beautiful face of the Sorceress.
“You are my prisoner, and it is useless for you to
struggle amy longer,” said Glinda, in her soft, sweet
voice. “Lie still 2 moment, and rest yourself, and
then I will carry you back to my tent.”
«Why do you seek me?” asked Mombi, still scarce
able to speak plainly for lack of breath. «What
have I done to you, to be so persecuted?”
“You have done nothing to me,” answered the
gentle Serceress; «but I suspect you have been guilty
of several wicked actions; and if I find it is true that
you have so abused your knowledge of magic, I in-
tend to punish you severely.”
“I defy you!” croaked the old hag. “You dare
not harm me!”
Just then the Gump flew up to them and alighted
upon the desert sands beside Glinda. Our friends
265
Princess Ozma of Oz
were delighted to find that Mombi had finally been
captured, and after a hurried consultation it was de-
cided they should all return to the camp in the Gump.
So the Saw-Horse was tossed aboard, and then Glinda,
still holding an end of the golden thread that was
around Mombi’s neck, forced her prisoner to climb
into the sofas. The others now followed, and Tip
gave the word to the Gump to return.
The journey was made in safety, Mombi sitting in
her place with a grim and sullen air; for the old hag
was absolutely helpless so long as the magical thread
encircled her throat. The army hailed Glinda’s re-
turn with loud cheers, and the party of friends soon
gathered again in the royal tent, which had been
neatly repaired during their absence.
« Now,” said the Sorceress to Mombi, “I want
you to tell us why the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
paid you three visits, and what became of the child,
Ozma, which so curiously disappeared.”
The Witch looked at Glinda defiantly, but said
not a word.
«Answer me!” cried the Sorceress.
But still Mombi remained silent.
« Perhaps she doesn’t know,” remarked Jack.
«I beg you will keep quiet,” said Tip.“You might
spoil everything with your foolishness.”
266
Princess Ozma of O72
feaeiaegenberanoters ee ee
“Very well, dear father!” returned the Pumpkin-
head, meekly.
“How glad I am to be a Woggle-Bug!” mur-
mured the Highly Magnified Insect, softly. «No one
can expect wisdom to flow from a pumpkin.”
“Well,” said the Scarecrow, “what shall we do to
make Mombi speak? Unless she tells us what we
wish to know her capture will do us no good at all.”
“Suppose we try kindness,” suggested the Tin
Woodman. «I’ve heard that anyone can be conquered
with kindness, no matter how ugly they may be.”
At this the Witch turned to glare upon him so
horribly that the Tin Woodman shrank back abashed.
Glinda had been carefully considering what to do,
and now she turned to Mombi and said:
“You will gain nothing, I assure you, by thus
defying us. For I am determined to learn the truth
about the girl Ozma, and unless you tell me all that
you know, I will certainly put you to death.”
“Oh, no! Don’t do that!” exclaimed the Tin
Woodman. “It would be an awful thing to kill
anyone—even old Mombi!”
“But it is merely a threat,” returned Glinda. «]
shall not put Mombi to death, because she will pre-
fer to tell me the truth.”
“Oh, I see!” said the tin man, much relieved.
267
Princess Ozma of Oz
“Suppose I tell you all that you wish to know,”
said Mombi, speaking so suddenly that she startled
them all. «What will you do with me then?”
“In that case,” replied Ghuaa, «I shall merely ask
you to drink a powerful <raught which will cause
you to forget all the magic you have ever learned.”
«Then I would become a helpless old woman!”
«But you would be alive,” suggested the Pump-
kinhead, consolingly.
“Do try to keep silent!” said Tip, nervously.
“Tll try,” responded Jack; “but you will admit
that it’s a good thing to be alive.”
«Especially if one happens to be Thoroughly Ed-
ucated,” added the Woggle-Bug, nodding approval.
«You may make your choice,” Glinda said to old
Mombi, “between death if you remain silent, and
the loss of your magical powers if you tell me the
truth. But I think you will prefer to live.”
Mombi cast an uneasy glance at the Sorceress, and
saw that she was in earnest, and not to be trifled
with. So she replied, slowly:
«TI will answer your questions.”
«That is what I expected,” said Glinda, pleasantly.
“You have chosen wisely, I assure you.”
She then motioned to one of her Captains, who
brought her a beautiful golden casket. From this
268
Princess Ozma of Oz
——————LLL
the Sorceress drew an immense white pearl, attached
to a slender chain which she placed around her neck
in such a way that the pearl rested upon her bosom,
directly over her heart.
“Now,” said she, «I will ask my first question:
Why did the Wizard pay you three visits?”
“Because I would not come to him,” answered
Mombi.
“That is no answer,” said Glinda, sternly. «Tell
me the truth.”
“Well,” returned Mombi, with downcast eyes, “he
visited me to learn the way I make tea-biscuits.”
“Look up!” commanded the Sorceress,
Mombi obeyed.
“What is the color of my pearl?” demanded Glinda.
“Why—it is black!” replied the old Witch, in a
tone of wonder,
“Then you have told me a falsehood!” cried
Glinda, angrily, «Only when the truth is spoken will
my magic pearl remain a pure white in color.”
Mombi now saw how useless it was to try to de-
ceive the Sorceress; so she said, meanwhile scowling
at her defeat:
“The Wizard brought to me the girl Ozma, who
was then no more than a baby, and begged me to
conceal the child.”
Princess Ozma of Oz
rece Eile el NE i Dy OR
“ That is what I thought,” declared Glinda, calmly,
«What did he give you for thus serving him?”
“He taught me all the magical tricks he knew.
Some were good tricks, and some were only frauds;
but I have remained faithful to my promise.”
“What did you do with the girl?” asked Glinda;
and at this question everyone bent forward and lis-
tened eagerly for the reply.
“TI enchanted her,” answered Mombi.
“In what way?”
“I transformed her into—into——”
“Into what?” demanded Glinda, as the Witch
hesitated,
“Into a boy!” said Mombi, in a low tone.
“A boy!” echoed every voice; and then, because
they knew that this old woman had reared Tip from
childhood, all eyes were turned to where the boy stood.
“Yes,” said the old Witch, nodding her head; «that
is the Princess Ozma—the child brought to me by
the Wizard who stole her father’s throne. That 1s
the rightful ruler of the Emerald City!” and she
pointed her long bony finger straight at the boy.
“I!” cried Tip, in amazement. “Why, I’m no
Princess Ozma—lI’m not a girl!”
Glinda smiled, and going to Tip she took his
small brown hand within her dainty white one.
270
MOMBI POINTED HER LONG, BONY FINGER AT THE BOY.
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Princess Ozma of Oz
TE RG REE SE Ie AS
“You are not a girl just now,” said she, gently,
“because Mombi transformed you into a boy. But
you were born a girl, and also a Princess; so you
must resume your proper form, that you may become
Queen of the Emerald City.”
“Oh, let Jinjur be the Queen!” exclaimed Tip,
ready tocry. “I want to stay a boy, and travel with the
Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, and the Woggle-
Bug, and Jack—yes! and my friend the Saw-Horse
—and the Gump! I don’t want to be a girl!”
“Never mind, old chap,” said the Tin Woodman,
soothingly; «it don’t hurt to bea girl, I’m told; and
we will all remain your faithful friends just the same.
And, to be honest with you, I’ve always considered
girls nicer than boys.”
“« They’re just as nice, anyway,” added the Scare-
crow, patting Tip affectionately upon the head.
“And they are equally good students,” proclaimed
the Woggle-Bug. «I should like to become your
tutor, when you are transformed into a girl again.”
“ But—-see here!” said Jack Pumpkinhead, with
a gasp: “if you become a girl, you can’t be my dear
father any more!”
“No,” answered Tip, laughing in spite of his anxi-
ety; “and I shall not be sorry to escape the relation-
ship.” Then he added, hesitatingly, as he turned to
272
Glinda: “I might try it for awhile,-just to see how
it seems, you know. But if I don't like being a girl
you must promise to change me into a boy again.”
“Really,” said the Sorceress, “that is beyond my
magic. I never deal in transformations, for they are
not honest, and no respectable sorceress likes to make
things appear to be what they are not. Only un-
scrupulous witches use the art, and therefore I must
ask Mombi to effect your release from her charm,
and restore you to your proper form. It will be the
last opportunity she will have to practice magic.”
273
Princess Ozma of Oz
Now that the truth about Princess Ozma had been
discovered, Mombi did not care what became of Tip;
but she feared Glinda’s anger, and the boy generously
promised to provide for Mombi in her old age if he
became the ruler of the Emerald City. So the Witch
consented to effect the transformation, and prepara-
tions for the event were at once made.
Glinda ordered her own royal couch to be placed
in the center of the tent. It was piled high with
cushions covered with rose-colored silk, and from a
golden railing above hung many folds of pink gossa-
mer, completely concealing the interior of the couch.
The first act of the Witch was to make the boy
drink a potion which quickly sent him into a deep
and dreamless sleep. Then the Tin Woodman and
the Woggle-Bug bore him gently to the couch, placed
him upon the soft cushions, and drew the gossame1
hangings to shut him from all earthly view.
The Witch squatted upon the ground and kindled
a tiny fire of dried herbs, which she drew from her
bosom. When the blaze shot up and burned clearly
old Mombi scattered a handful of magical powder
over the fire, which straightway gave off a rich violet
vapor, filling all the tent with its fragrance and
forcing the Saw-Horse to sneeze—although he had
been warned to keep quiet.
274
MOMBI AT HER MAGICAL INCANTATIONS.
Princess Ozma of Oz
aS
Then, while the others watched her curiously, the
hag chanted a rhythmical verse in words which no one
understood, and bent her lean body seven times back
and forth over the fire. And now the incantation
seemed complete, for the Witch stood upright and
cried the one word “Yeowa! 1n a loud voice.
The vapor floated away; the atmosphere became
clear again; a whiff of fresh air filled the tent, and
the pink curtains of the couch trembled slightly, as
if stirred from within.
Glinda walked to the canopy and parted the silken
hangings. Then she bent over the cushions, reached
out her hand, and from the couch arose the form of
a young girl, fresh and beautiful as a May morning.
Her eyes sparkled as two diamonds, and her lips were
tinted like a tourmaline. All adown her back floated
tresses of ruddy gold, with a slender jeweled circlet
confining them at the brow. Her robes of silken
gauze floated around her like a cloud, and dainty
satin slippers shod her feet.
At this exquisite vision Tip’s old comrades stared
in wonder for the space of a full minute, and then
every head bent low in honest admiration of the
lovely Princess Ozma. The girl herself cast one
look into Glinda’s bright face, which glowed with
pleasure and satisfaction, and then turned upon the
276
Princess Ozma ot Oz
others. Speaking the words with sweet diffidence,
she said:
“I hope none of you will care less for me than
you did before. I’m just the same Tip, you know;
only —only—”
“Only you're different!” said the Pumpkinhead;
and everyone thought it was the wisest speech he
had ever made.
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When the wonderful tidings reached the ears of
Queen Jinjur—how Mombi the Witch had been cap-
tured; how she had confessed her crime to Glinda;
and how the long-lost Princess Ozma had been dis-
covered in no less a personage than the boy Tip—
she wept real tears of grief and despair.
“T-. think,” she moaned, «that after having ruled
as Queen, and lived in a palace, I must go back to
scrubbing floors and churning butter again! It is
too horrible to think of! I will never consent!”
So when her soldiers, who spent most of their time
makiag fudge in the palace kitchens, counseled Jin-
jur to resist, she listened to their foolish prattle and
sent a sharp defiance to Glinda the Good and the
Princess Ozma. The result was a declaration of war,
and the very next day Glinda marched upon the Em-
erald City with pennants flying and bands playing,
279
The Riches of Content
and a forest of shining spears sparkling brightly
beneath the sun’s rays.
But when it came to the walls this brave assembly
made a sudden halt; for Jinjur had closed and barred
every gateway, and the walls of the Emerald City
were builded high and thick with many blocks of
green marble. Finding her advance thus ba‘ed,
Glinda bent her brows in deen thought, while the
W-ggle-Bug said, in his 1.ost positive tone:
“We must lay siege to the city, and starve it into
submission. It is the only thing we can do.”
“Not so,” answered the Scarecrow. “We still
have the Gump, and the Gump can still fly.”
The Sorceress turned quickly at this speech, and
her face now wore a bright smile.
“You are right,” she exclaimed, “and certainly
have reason to be proud of your brains. Let us go
to the Gump at once!”
So they passed through the ranks of the army until
they came to the place, near the Scarecrow’s tent,
where the Gump lay. Glinda and Princess Ozma
mounted first, and sat upon the sofas. Then the
Scarecrow and his friends climbed aboard, and still
there was room for a Captain and three soldiers,
which Glinda considered sufficien' for a guard.
Now, at a word from the Princess, the queer
280
4
ine W)) (4 Z
INS Oe
Thing they had called the Gum
leaf wings and rose into the air,
of adventurers high above the walls, They hovered
over the palace, and soon Perceived Jinjur reclining
in a hammock in the Courtyard, where she was
comfortably reading a novel with a green cover and
eating green chocolates, confident that the walls
would protect her from her enemies. Obeying a
quick c..amand, the Gump alighted safely in this
very courtyard, and before Jinjur had time to do
more than scream, ihe Captain and three sold’ers
281
Pp flopped its palm.
carrying the party
The Riches of Content
leaped out and made the former Queen a prisoner,
locking strong chains upon both her wrists.
That act really ended the war; for the Army of
Revolt submitted as soon as they knew Jinjur to bea
captive, and the Captain marched in safety through the
streets and up to the gates of the city, which she
threw wide open. Then the bands played their
most stirring music while Glinda’s army marched
into the city, and heralds proclaimed the conquest
of the audacious Jinjur and the accession of the
beautiful Princess Ozma to the throne of her royal
ancestors.
At once the men of the Emerald City cast off
their aprons. And it is said that the women were
so tired eating of their husbands’ cooking that they
The Riches of Content
all hailed the conquest of Jinjur with joy. Certain
it is that, rushing one and all to the} ‘tchens of their
houses, the good wives Prepared so delicious a feast
for the weary men that harmony was immediately
restored in every family,
Ozma’s first. act was to oblige the Army of Revolt
to return to her every emerald or other gem stolen
from the public streets wid buildings; and so great
was the number of precious stones picked from their
settings by these vain girls, that every one of the
toyal jewelers worked steadily fir more than a
mouth to replace them in their s ings.
Meantime the Army of Revolt was distanded and
the girls sent hore to their mothers. On h!omise
of good behavior Jinjur was likewise releaseq.
Ozma made the loveliest Queen the Emerald City
had ever known; and, although she was so young
and inexperienced, she ruled her people with wisdom
and justice. For Glinda gave her good advice on all
occasions; and the Woggle-Bug, who was appointed
to the important post of Public Educator, was quite
helpful to Ozma when her royal duties grew per-
plexing.
The girl, in her gratitude to the Gump for its
services, offered the creature any reward it might
name.
The Riches of Content
“Then,” replied the Gump, “please take me to
pieces. I did not wish to be brought to life, and I
am greatly ashamed of my conglomerate personality.
Once I was a monarch of the forest, as my antlers
fully prove; but now, in my present upholstered
condition of servitude, I am compelled to fly through
the air—my legs being of no use to me whatever.
Therefore I beg to be dispersed.”
So Ozma ordered the Gump taken apart. The
antlered head was again hung over the mantle-piece
in the hall, and the sofas were untied and placed in
the reception parlors. The broom tail resumed its
accustomed duties in the kitchen, and finally, the
Scarecrow replaced all the clotheslines and ropes on
the pegs from which he had taken them on the event-
ful day when the Thing was constructed.
You might think that was the end of the Gump;
and so it was, as a flying-machine. But the head
over the mantle-piece continued to talk whenever
it took a notion to do so, and it frequently startled,
with its abrupt questions, the people who waited in
the hall for an audience with the Queen.
The Saw-Horse, being Ozma’s personal property,
was tenderly cared for; and often she rode the queer
creature along the streets of the Emerald City. She
had its wooden legs shod with gold, to keep them
The Riches of Content
from wearing out, and the tinkle of these golden
shoes upon the pavement always filled the Queen’s
subjects with awe as they thought upon this evidence
of her magical powers.
“The Wonderful Wizard was never so wonderful
as Queen Ozma,” the people said to one another,
in whispers; «for he claimed to do many things he
could not do; whereas our new Queen does man
things no one would ever expect her to accomplish,”
Jack Pumpkinhead remained with Ozma to the
end of his days; and he did not spoil as soon as he
had feared, although he always remained as stupid
as ever. The Woggle-Bug tried to teach him several
arts and sciences; but Jack was so poor a student
that any attempt to educate him was soon abandoned,
After Glinda’s army had marched back home, and
peace was restored to the Emerald City, the Tin
Woodman announced his intention to return to his
own Kingdom of the Winkies.
“It isn’t a very big Kingdom,” said he to Ozma,
“but for that very reason it is easier to tule; and I have
called myself an Emperor because J am an Absolute
Monarch, and no one interferes in any way with my
conduct of public or personal affairs. When I get
home I shall have a new coat of nickel plate; for I
have become somewhat marred and scratched lately;
285
The Riches of Content
and then I shall be glad to have you pay me a visit.”
“Thank you,” replied Ozma. “Some day I may
accept the invitation. But what is to become of the
Scarecrow?”
«] shall return with my friend the Tin Woodman,”
said the stuffed one, seriously. «We have decided
never to be parted in the future.”
“And I have made the Scarecrow my Royal
Treasurer,” explained the Tin Woodman. «For it
has occurred to me that it is a good thing to have
a Royal Treasurer who is made of money. What do
you think?”
«I think,” said the little Queen, smiling, «that
your friend must be the richest man in all the world.”
“I am,” returned the Scarecrow; “but not on
account of my money. For I consider brains far
superior to money, in every way. You may have
noticed that if one has money without brains, he
cannot use it to advantage; but if one has brains
without money, they will enable him to live com-
fortably to the end of his days.”
“At the same time,” declared the Tin Woodman,
“you must acknowledge that a good heart is a thing
that brains can not create, and that money can not
buy. Perhaps, after all, it is I who am the richest
man in all the world.”
286
The Riches of Content
tent
“You are both rich, my friends,” said Ozma, gently;
“and your riches are the only riches worth having—
the riches of content!” '
: ' we”
| = i ! od