Classic Audiobook Collection - The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum ~ Full Audiobook [fantasy]

Episode Date: February 9, 2023

The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum audiobook. Genre: fantasy In The Marvelous Land of Oz, L. Frank Baum returns to the glittering world beyond the desert with a fresh hero and a new kind of trouble. A boy named Tip lives under the strict eye of the mysterious old woman Mombi, dreaming of escape and a life where he can choose his own path. When Tip's homemade pumpkin-headed figure, Jack Pumpkinhead, unexpectedly becomes a companion on the run, the pair set off across a country where enchantments are everyday tools and dangers can be as silly as they are serious. Along the way they meet an odd collection of allies, including a loyal wooden Sawhorse, and stumble into the growing unrest aimed at the Emerald City. As rumors of rebellion spread and the throne is threatened, Tip and his friends must navigate shifting loyalties, hidden magic, and the question of what makes someone fit to rule. Filled with playful wit, inventive creatures, and a steady undercurrent of courage and kindness, this sequel explores identity, friendship, and the responsibilities that come with power. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:08:44) Chapter 02 (00:23:16) Chapter 03 (00:33:08) Chapter 04 (00:40:04) Chapter 05 (00:51:44) Chapter 06 (01:06:00) Chapter 07 (01:17:34) Chapter 08 (01:30:02) Chapter 09 (01:41:43) Chapter 10 (01:52:42) Chapter 11 (02:06:47) Chapter 12 (02:21:28) Chapter 13 (02:36:28) Chapter 14 (02:48:33) Chapter 15 (03:00:53) Chapter 16 (03:11:50) Chapter 17 (03:22:25) Chapter 18 (03:43:46) Chapter 19 (03:58:19) Chapter 20 (04:16:56) Chapter 21 (04:28:28) Chapter 22 (04:36:44) Chapter 23 (04:50:56) Chapter 24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

the marvellous land of oz by l frank baum chapter i tip manufactures a pumpkinhead in the country of the gillikins which is at the north of the land of oz lived a youth called tip there was more to his name than that for old mambi often declared that his whole name was tippatorius but no one was expecting to say such a long word when tip would do just as well The bar remembered nothing of his parents, for he had been brought when quite young, to be reared by the old woman known as Mombie, whose reputation, I am sorry to say, was none of the best, for the Gilligan people had reasoned to suspect her of indulging in magical arts and therefore hesitated to associate with her. Mambi was not exactly a witch, because the good witch who ruled that part of the land of Oz, had forbidden any other witch to exist in her dominions.

So Tip's guardian, however much she might aspire to working magic, realized it was unlawful to be more than a sorceress, or at most a wizardist. Tip was made to carry wood from the forest that the old woman might boil her pot. He also worked in the cornfields, hoeing and husking, and he fed the pigs, and milked the four-horned cow that was Mombie's especial pride. But you must not suppose he worked all the time, for he felt that would be bad for him. When sent to the forest, Tip often climbed trees for birds' eggs, or amused himself chasing the fleet white rabbits or fishing in the brooks with bent pins.

Then he would hastily gather his arm full of wood and carry it home, and when he was supposed to be working in the cornfields, and the tall stalks hid him from Mombie's view. Tip would often dig in the gopher holes, or if the mood seized him, lie upon his back between the rows of corn and take a nap. So by taking care not to exhaust his strength, he grew as strong and rugged as a boy may be. Mombie's curious magic often frightened her neighbors, and they treated her shyly, yet respectfully, because of her weird powers but tip frankly hated her and took no pains to hide his feelings indeed he sometimes showed less respect for the old woman than he should have done considering she was his guardian

there were pumpkins in mumby's cornfields lying golden-red among the rows of green-stocks and these he had planted and carefully tended that the forehorn cow might eat of them in the wintertime. But one day, after the corn had all been cut and stacked, and Tip was carrying the pumpkins to the stable, he took a notion to make a jack-lantern and try to give the old woman a fright with it. So he selected a fine big pumpkin, one with a lustrous orange-red color, and began carving it. With the point of his knife he made two round eyes, a three-cornered nose, and a three-cornered

nose and a mouth shaped like a new moon. The face, when completed, could not have been considered strictly beautiful, but it wore a smile so big and broad and was so jolly in expression, that even Tip laughed as he looked admiringly at his work. The child had no playmates, so he did not know that boys often dig out the inside of a Pumpkin Jack, and in the space thus made put a lighted candle to render the face more startling. But he conceived an idea of his own that promised to be quite as effective. He decided to manufacture the form of a man who would wear this pumpkin head, and to stand

it in a place where old Mombie would meet it face to face. And then, said Tip to himself with a laugh, she'll squeal louder than the brown pig does when i pull her tail and shiver with fright worse than i did last year when i had the ague he had plenty of time to accomplish this task for mambi had gone to a village to buy groceries she said and it was a journey of at least two days so he took his axe to the forest and selected some stout straight saplings which he cut down and trimmed of all their twigs and leaves from these he would make the arms and legs and feet of his man for the body he stripped the sheet of thick bark from around a big tree and with much labor fashioned it into a cylinder of about the right size pinning the edges together with wooden pegs then whistling happily as he worked he carefully jointed the limbs and fastened them to the body with pegs whittled into shape with his knife by the time this feat had been accomplished it began to grow dark and tip remembered he must milk the cows and feed the pigs so he picked up his wooden man and carried it back to the house with him during the evening by the light of the fire in the kitchen tip carefully rounded all the edges of the joints and smooth the rough places in a neat and workmanlike manner then he stood the figure up against the wall and it

admired it. It seemed remarkably tall, even for a full-grown man, but that was a good point in a small boy's eyes, and Tip did not object at all to the size of his creation. Next morning, when he looked at his work again, Tip saw he had forgotten to give the dummy a neck by means of which he might fasten the pumpkin-head to the body. So he went again to the forest, which was not far away, and chopped from a tree several pieces of wood with which to complete his work. When he returned, he fastened a cross-piece to the upper end of the body, making a hole through the center to hold upright the neck.

The bit of wood which formed this neck was also sharpened at the upper end, and when all was ready, tip put on the pumpkin head, pressing it well down onto the neck, and found that it fitted very well. The head could be turned to one side or the other, as he pleased, and the hinges of the arms and legs allowed him to place the dummy in any position he desired. Now that, declared Tip proudly, is really a very fine man, and it ought to frighten several screeches out of old Mumby, but it would be much more lifelike if it were properly dressed. To find clothing seemed no easy task, but Tip boldly ransacked the great chest, in which Mamby kept all her keepsakes and treasures, and at the very bottom he discovered some purple trousers,

a red shirt, and a pink vest, which was dotted with white spots. These he carried away to his man and succeeded, although the garments did not fit very well, in dressing the creature in a jaunty fashion. Some knit stockings, belonging to Mambi, and a much-worn pair of his own shoes, completed the man's apparel, and Tip was so delighted that he danced up and down and laughed aloud in boyish ecstasy. "'I must give him a name,' he cried. "'So good a man as this must surely have a name—'

"'I believe,' he added, after a moment's thought, I will name the fellow Jack Pumpkinhead. End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 of The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 2. The Marvelous Powder of Life. After considering the matter carefully,

Tip decided that the best place to locate Jack would be at the bend in the road a little way from the house. So he started to carry his man there, but found him heavy and rather awkward to handle. After dragging the creature a short distance, Tip stood him on his feet, and by first bending the joints of one leg and then those of the other, at the same time pushing from behind, the boy managed to induce Jack to walk to the bend in the road. It was not accomplished without a few tumbles, and Tip really worked harder than that. he ever had in the fields or forest, but a love of mischief urged him on, and it pleased him to test the cleverness of his workmanship.

Jack's all right and works fine, he said to himself panting with the unusual exertion. But just then he discovered the man's left arm had fallen off in the journey, so he went back to find it, and afterward by whittling a new and stouter pin for the shoulder-joint, he repaired the injury so successfully that the arm was stronger than before tip also noticed that jack's pumpkin head had twisted around until it faced his back but this was easily remedied when at last the man was set up facing the turn in the path where old mombie was to appear he looked natural enough to be a fair imitation of a gillican former and unnatural enough to straddle any one that that came on him unawares. As it was yet too early in the day to expect the old woman to return home, Tip went down into the valley below the farmhouse

and began to gather nuts from the trees that grew there. However, Old Mambi returned earlier than usual. She had met a crooked wizard who resided in a lonely cave in the mountains and had traded several important secrets of magic with him. having in this way secured three new recipes four magical powders and a selection of herbs of wonderful power and potency she hobbled home as fast as she could in order to test her new sorceries so intent was mum beyond the treasure she had gained that when she turned the bend in the road and caught a glimpse of the man she merely nodded and said good evening sir but a moment after noting that the person did not move or reply she cast a shrewd glance into his face and discovered his pumpkin head elaborately carved by tip's jack-knife ee ejaculated mambi giving a sort of grunt that rascally boy has been playing tricks again very good very good i'll beat him black and blue for trying to scare me in this fashion

Angrily she raised her stick to smash the grinning pumpkin head of the dummy, but a sudden thought made her pause. The uplifted stick left motionless in the air. Why, here is a good chance to try my new powder, said she eagerly. And then I can tell whether that crooked wizard has fairly traded secrets, or whether he has fooled me as wickedly as I. He fooled him!" So she set down her basket and began fumbling in it for one of the precious powders she had obtained.

While Mombie was thus occupied, Tip strolled back with his pockets full of nuts, and discovered the old woman standing beside his man, and apparently not the least bit frightened by it. At first he was generally disappointed. But the next moment he became curious to know what Mombie was going to do. So he hid behind a hedge where he could see without being seen, and prepared to watch. After some search the woman drew from her basket, an old pepper-box, upon the faded label of which the wizard had written with a lead pencil, powder of life. Ah, here it is! she cried joyfully. And now let us see if it is potent. The stingy wizard didn't give me much.

of it, but I guess there's enough for two or three doses." Tip was much surprised when he overheard this speech. Then he saw old Mombie raise her arm and sprinkle the powder from the box over the pumpkin head of his man, Jack. She did this in the same way one would pepper a baked potato, and the powder sifted down from Jack's head and scattered over the red shirt and pink waistcoat and purple trousers Tip had dressed him in, and a portion even fell upon the patched and worn shoes. Then putting the pepper-box back into her basket, Mambi lifted her left hand.

With its little finger pointed upwards, she said, Weak! Then she lifted her right hand, with a thumb pointed upward, and said, T-OG. Then she lifted both hands with all the fingers and thumb spread out. and cried, Peagog. Jack Pumpkinhead stepped back a pace at this, and said in a reproachful voice, "'Don't y'all like that, do you think I'm deaf?' Oh, Mambi danced around him, frantic with delight.

"'He lives!' she screamed. "'He lives, he lives, he lives!' Then she threw her stick into the air and caught it as it came down, and she hugged herself with both arms and tried to do a step of a jig, and all the time she repeated rapturously, He lives, he lives, he lives! Now, you may well suppose that Tip observed all this with amazement. At first he was so frightened and horrified that he wanted to run away, but his legs trembled and shook so badly that he couldn't.

Then it struck him as a very funny thing for Jack. to come to life, especially as the expression on his pumpkin face was so droll and comical, it excited laughter on the instant. So recovering from his first fear, Tip began to laugh. And the merry peels reached old Mom's ears and made her hobble quickly to the hedge, where she seized Tip's collar, and dragged him back to where she had left her basket and the pumpkin-headed man. "'You, naughty, sneaking, wicked boy,' she exclaimed furiously.

"'I'll teach you to spy out my secrets and to make fun of me.' "'I wasn't making fun of you,' protested Tip. I was laughing at old pumpkinhead. Look at him. Isn't he a picture, though?' "'I hope you are not reflecting on my personal appearance,' said Jack. And it was so funny to hear his gray voice. while his face continued to wear its jolly smile, that tip again burst into a peal of laughter.

Even Mambi was not without a curious interest in the man her magic had brought to life, for after staring at him intently, she presently asked, What do you know? Well, that is hard to tell, replied Jack, for although I feel I know a tremendous lot, I am not yet aware how much there is in the world to find out about. It will take me a little while to discover whether I am very wise or very foolish. To be sure, said Mambi thoughtfully.

But what are you going to do with him? Now he is alive, asked Tip wonderingly. I must think it over, answered Mambi. But we must get home at once, for it is growing dark. Help Pumpkin Head to walk. Never mind me, said Jack. I can walk as well as you can. Haven't I got legs and feet and aren't they jointed?

Are they? asked the woman, turning to tip. Of course they are. I made it myself, returned the boy with pride. So they started for the house, but when they reached the farm yard, old Mambi led the pumpkin man to the cow stable and shut him up in an empty stall. fastening the door securely on the outside. "'I've got to attend to you first,' she said, nodding her headed tip. Hearing this the boy became uneasy, for he knew Mambi had a bad and revengeful heart and would not hesitate to do any evil thing.

They entered the house. It was a round dome-like structure, as are nearly all the form houses in the land of Oz. Mombie bade the boy light a candle while she put her basket in a cupboard and hung her cloak on a peg. Tip obeyed quickly, for he was afraid of her. After the candle had been lighted, Mambi ordered him to build a fire in the hearth, and while Tip was thus engaged, the old woman ate her supper. When the flames began to crackle, the boy came to her and asked a share of the bread and cheese, but Mambi refused him.

I'm hungry, said Tip in a sulky tone. You won't be hungry long, replied Mambi with a grim look. The boy didn't like this speech, for it sounded like a threat. But he happened to remember he had nuts in his pocket, so he cracked some of them and ate them while the woman rose, shook the crumbs from her apron, and hung above the fire a small black kettle. Then she measured out equal parts of milk and vinegar and poured them into the kettle.

Next she produced several packets of herbs and powders and began adding a portion of each to the contents of the kettle. Occasionally she would draw near the candle and read from a yellow paper the recipe of the mess she was concocting. As Tip watched her, his uneasiness increased. What is that for? he asked. "'For you,' returned Mambi briefly. Tip wriggled around upon his stool and stared a while at the kettle, which was beginning to bubble. Then he would glance at the stern and wrinkled features of the witch, and wish he were any place, but in that dim and smoky kitchen, where even the shadows cast by the candle upon the wall,

were enough to give one the horrors. So an hour passed away, during which the silence was only broken by the bubbling of the pot and the hissing of the flames. Finally Tip spoke again. Have I got to drink that stuff? he asked, nodding toward the pot. Yes, said Mambi. What'll it do to me? asked Tip. If it's properly made, replied Mambi, it will change or transform? you into a marble statue."

Tip groaned and wiped the perspiration from his forehead with his sleeve. I don't want to be a marble statue, he protested. That doesn't matter. I want you to be one," said the old woman, looking at him severely. What use'll I be then? asked Tip. There won't be anyone to work for you. I'll make the pumpkin head work for me," said Mombie. again tip groaned why don't you change me into a goat or a chicken he asked anxiously you can't do anything with a marble statue

oh yes i can returned momby i'm going to plant a flowery garden next spring and i'll put you in the middle of it for an ornament i wonder i haven't thought of that before you've been a bother to me for years at this terrible speech tip felt the beads of perspiration starting all over his body but he sat still and shivered and looked anxiously at the kettle perhaps it won't work he muttered in a voice that sounded weak and discouraged oh i think it will answered mom be cheerfully i seldom make a mistake again there was a period of silence a silence so long and gloomy that when Mombie finally lifted the kettle from the fire, it was close to midnight. "'You cannot drink it until it has become quite cold,' announced the old witch. For in spite of the law, she had acknowledged practicing witchcraft. "'We must both go to bed now, and at daybreak?' I will call you, and at once complete your transformation into a marble

statue. With this she hobbled into her room, bearing the steaming kettle with her, and Tip heard her clothes and locked the door. The boy did not go to bed, as he had been commanded to do, but still sat, glaring at the embers of the dying fire. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 3. The Flight of the Fugitives. Tip reflected.

It's a hard thing to be a marble statue, he thought rebelliously. And I'm not going to stand for it. For years I've been a bother to her, she says. So she's going to get rid of me. Well, there's an easier way than to become a statue. No boy could have any fun forever standing in the middle of a flower garden. I'll run away, that's what I'll do, and I may as well go before she makes me drink that nasty stuff in the kettle." He waited until the snores of the old witch announced she was fast asleep, and then he arose softly and went to the cupboard to find something to eat.

No use starting on a journey without food, he decided, searching upon the next. narrow shelves. He found some crusts of bread, but he had to look into Mombie's basket to find the cheese she had brought from the village. While turning over the contents of the basket, he came upon the pepper box which contained the powder of life. I may as well take this with me, he thought, or Mambi'll be using it to make more mischief with, so he put the box in his pocket together with the bread and cheese. Then he cautiously left the house and latched the door behind him. Outside both moon and stars shone brightly, and the night seemed peaceful and inviting after the

close and ill-smelling kitchen. "'I'll be glad to get away,' said tips softly, "'for I never did like that old woman. I wonder how I ever came to live with her.' He was walking slowly toward the road when a thought made him pause. I don't like to leave Jack Pumpkinhead to the tender mercies of Old Mambi, he muttered, and Jack belongs to me, for I made him, even if the old witch did bring him to life. He retraced his steps to the cow stable, and opened the door of the stall where the pumpkin-headed man had been left. Jack was standing in the middle of the stall, and by the moonlight.

Tip could see he was smiling just as jovely as ever. "'Come on,' said the boy, beckoning. "'Where to?' asked Jack. "'You'll know as soon as I do,' answered Tip, smiling sympathetically into the pumpkin face. "'All we've got to do now is to tramp.' "'Very well,' returned Jack, and walked awkwardly out of the stable and into the moonlight. Tip turned toward the road, and the man followed him. Jack walked with a sort of limp, and occasionally one of the joints of his legs would

turn backward instead of front-wise, almost causing him to tumble. But the pumpkin-head was quick to notice this, and began to take more pains to step carefully, so that he met with few accidents. Tip led him along the path without stopping an instant. They could not go very fast, but they walked steadily and by the time the moon was sank away and the sun peeped over the hills. They had traveled so great a distance that the boy had no reason to fear pursuit from the old witch. Moreover, he had turned into one path and then into another, so that should anyone follow them, it would prove very difficult to

guess which way they had gone or where to seek them. Fairly satisfied that he had escaped, for the time at least, being turned into a marble statue, the boy started to see them. The boy started stopped his companion and seated himself upon a rock by the roadside. "'Let's have some breakfast,' he said. Jack Pumpkinhead watched Tip curiously, but refused to join in the repast. "'I don't seem to be made the same way you are,' he said. "'I know you're not,' returned Tip, for I made you.' "'Oh, did you?' asked Jack.

"'Certainly and put you together.' and carved your eyes and nose and ears and mouth said tip promptly and dressed you jack looked at his body and limbs critically it strikes me you made a very good job of it he remarked just so so replied tip modestly for he began to see certain defects in the construction of his man if i'd known we were going to travel together i might have been a little more particular Why, then, said the pumpkin-head in a tone that expressed surprise. You must be my creator, my parent, my father. Or your inventor, replied the boy with a laugh. Yes, my son, I really believe I am. Then I owe you obedience, continued the man, and you owe me support.

That's it exactly, declared Tip jumping up. so let us be off where are we going asked jack when they had resumed their journey i'm not exactly sure said the boy but i believe we are headed south and that will bring us sooner or later to the emerald city what city is that inquired the pumpkinhead why it's the center of the land of oz and the biggest town in all the country i've now I've never been there myself, but I've heard all about its history. It was built by a mighty and wonderful wizard named Oz, and everything there is of a green color, just as everything in this country of the Gillikins is of a purple color." "'Is everything here purple?' asked Jack. "'Of course it is.

Can't you see?' returned the boy. "'I believe I must be colorblind,' said the Pumpkinhead after staring. about him. Well, the grass is purple, and the trees are purple, and the houses and fence are purple, explained Tip. Even the mud in the rose is purple. But in the Emerald City, everything is green that is purple here. And in the country of the Muncheons over to the east, everything is blue. And in the south country of the quadlings, everything is red. And in the West Country of the Winkies, where the Ten Woodman rules, everything is yellow. Oh, said Jack.

Then after a pause he added, Did you say a Ten Woodman rules the Winkies? Yes, he was one of those who helped Dorothy to destroy the Wicked Witch of the West, and the Winkies were so grateful that they invited him to become their ruler. Just as the people of the Emerald City invited the scarecrow to rule them. "'Dear me,' said Jack, "'I'm getting confused with all this history. Who is the scarecrow?' "'Another friend of Dorothy's,' replied Tip.

"'And who is Dorothy?' "'She was a girl that came here from Kansas, a place in the big outside world. She got blown into the land of Oz by a cyclone, and while she was here, the scarecrow and the tin woodman accompanied her on her tree. travels. "'And where is she now?' inquired the Pumpkinhead. "'Glinda the Good, who rules the quadlings, sent her home again,' said the boy. "'Oh, and what became of the scarecrow?'

"'I told you he rules the Emerald City,' answered Tip. "'I thought you said it was ruled by a wonderful wizard,' objected Jack, seeming more and more confused. Well, so I did. Now pay attention, and I'll explain it, said Tip, speaking slowly, and looking the smiling pumpkin-head squarely in the eye. Dorothy went to the Emerald City to ask the wizard to send her back to Kansas, and the scarecrow and the tin woodman went with her, but the wizard couldn't send her back, because

he wasn't so much of a wizard as he might have been. And then they got angry at the wizard and threatened to expose him. So the wizard made a big balloon and escaped in it, and no one has ever seen him since. Now that is a very interesting history, said Jack well pleased, and I understand it perfectly all but the explanation. I'm glad you do, responded Tip. After the wizard was gone, the people of the Emerald City made his majesty the scarecrow, their king, and I have heard that he became a very popular ruler.

Are we going to see this queer king? asked Jack with interest. I think we may as well, replied the boy, unless you have something better to do. Oh, no, dear father, said the pumpkinhead. I am quite willing to go wherever you please. End of chapter three. Chapter four of the Marvelous Lever-Larveless Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 4. Tip Makes an Experiment in Magic The boy, small and rather delicate in appearance, seems somewhat embarrassed that being called father by the tall, awkward, pumpkin-headed man, but to deny the relationship

would involve another long and tedious explanation, so he changed. change the subject by asking abruptly, Are you tired? Of course not, replied the other. But, he continued after a pause, it is quite certain I shall wear out my wooden joints if I keep on walking. Tip reflected, as they journeyed on that this was true. He began to regret that he had not constructed the wooden limbs more carefully and substantially.

Yet how could he ever have guessed that the man and he had made merely to scare old mumby with, would be brought to life by means of a magical powder contained in an old pepper-box. So he ceased to reproach himself and began to think how he might yet remedy the deficiencies of Jack's weak joints. While thus engaged, they came to the edge of a wood, and the boy sat down to rest upon an old saw-horse that some woodcutter had left there. don't you sit down?" he asked the pumpkinhead.

"'Won't it strain my joints?' inquired the other. "'Of course not. It'll rest them,' declared the boy. So Jack tried to sit down, but as soon as he bent his joints farther than usual, they gave way all together, and he came clattering to the ground with such a crash that Tip feared he was entirely ruined. He rushed to the man, lifted him to his feet, straightened. his arms and legs and felt of his head to see if by chance it had become cracked. But Jack seemed to be in pretty good shape after all, and Tip said to him, I guess you'd better remain standing hereafter. It seems the safest way.

Very well, dear father, just as you say, replied the smiling Jack, who had been in no wise confused by his tumble. Tip sat down again. Presently the pumpkin head asked, "'What is that thing you are sitting on?' "'Oh, this is a horse,' replied the boy carelessly. "'What is a horse?' demanded Jack. "'A horse. Why, there are two kinds of horses,' returned Tip slightly puzzled how to explain.

"'One kind of horse is alive, and has four legs and a head and a tail, and people ride upon its back.' "'I understand,' said. said Jack cheerfully. That's the kind of horse you are now sitting on." No, it isn't, answered Tip promptly. Why not? That one has four legs, and a head and a tail. Tip looked at the saw-horse more carefully, and found that the pumpkin head was right. The body had been formed from a tree trunk, and a branch had been left sticking up at one end that looked very much like

a tail. In the other end were two big knots that resembled eyes, and a place had been chopped away that might easily be mistaken for the horse's mouth. As for the legs, they were four straight limbs cut from trees and stuck fast into the body, being spread wide apart, so that the saw-horse would stand firmly when a log was laid across it to be sawed. This thing resembles a real horse more than I imagined. said Tip trying to explain. But a real horse is alive, and trots and prances and eats oats, while this is nothing more than a dead horse made of wood and used to saw logs upon.

If it were alive, wouldn't it trot and prance and eat oats? inquired the pumpkinhead. It would trot and prance, perhaps, but it wouldn't eat oats, replied the bar, laughing at the idea, and of course it can't ever be alive because it is made of wood so am i answered the man tip looked at him in surprise why so you are he exclaimed and the magic powder that brought you to life is here in my pocket he brought out the pepper-box and i did curiously i wonder said he musingly if it it would bring the saw-horse to life. If it would, returned Jack, calmly for nothing seemed to surprise him. I could ride on its back, and that would save my joints from wearing out. I'll try it, cried the boy, jumping up.

But I wonder if I can remember the words old Mambi said, and the way she held her hands up. He thought it over for a minute, and as he had watched carefully from the hedge every motion of the old witch, and listened to her word, he believed he could repeat exactly what he had said and done. So he began by sprinkling some of the magic powder of life from the pepper-box upon the body of the saw-horse. Then he lifted his left hand with the little finger pointing upward and said, We-og!

What does that mean, dear father? asked Jack curiously. I don't know, answered Tip. Then he lifted his right hand with a thumb-pointing upward and said, "'T. Og!' "'What's that, dear father?' inquired Jack. "'It means you must keep quiet,' replied the boy, provoked at being interrupted at so important a moment. "'How fast I am learning!' remarked the pumpkin-head with his eternal smile.

Tip now lifted both hands above his head, with all the fingers and thumbs spread out, and cried in a loud voice, P-Og!' immediately the saw-horse moved stretched its legs yawned with its chopped out mouth and shook a few grains of powder off its back the rest of the powder seemed to have vanished into the body of the horse good called jack while the boy looked on in astonishment you are a very clever sorcerer dear father end of chapter four chapter five of the marvelous land of odd by L. Frank Baum. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 5 The Awakening of the Saw Horse. The Saw Horse, finding himself alive, seemed even more astonished than Tip. He rolled his naughty eyes from side to side, taking a first wondering view of the world in which he had now so important and

existence. Then he tried to look at himself, but he had indeed no neck to turn, so that in the endeavor to see his body he kept circling around and around without catching even a glimpse of it. His legs were stiff and awkward, for there were no knee-joints in them, so that presently he bumped against Jack Pumpkinhead and sent that personage tumbling upon the moss that lined the roadside. Tip became alarmed at this accident, as well as at the persistence of the saw-horse in prancing around in a circle, so he called out, Whoa, whoa, there! The saw-horse paid no attention whatever to this command, and the next instant brought one of

his wooden legs down upon Tip's foot so forcibly that the boy danced away in pain to a safer distance from where he again yelled, Whoa, whoa, I say. Jack had now managed to raise himself to a sitting position, and he looked at the saw-horse with much interest. I don't believe the animal can hear you, he remarked. I shout loud enough, don't I? answered Tip angrily. Yes, but the horse has no ears, said the smiling pumpkinhead.

Sure enough, exclaimed Tip, noting the fact for the first time. How then am I going to stop him?" But at that instant the saw-horse stopped himself, having concluded it was impossible to see his own body. He saw Tip, however, and came close to the boy to observe him more fully. It was really comical to see the creature walk, for it moved the legs on its right side together and those on its left side together, as a pacing horse does, and that means. made its body rock-sideways like a cradle. Tip patted it upon the head and said,

Good boy, good boy, in a coaxing tone, and the saw-horse pranced away to examine with its bulging eyes the form of jack-pumpkin head. I must find a halter for him, said Tip, and having made a search in his pocket, he produced the roll of strong cord. Unwinding this, he approached the saw-horse, and tie the cord around its neck afterward fastening the other end to a large tree the saw-horse not understanding the action stepped backward and snapped the string easily but it made no attempt to run away

he's stronger than i thought said the boy and rather obstinate too why don't you make him some ears asked jack then you can tell him what to do that is a splendid idea said tip how did you happen to think of it why i didn't think of it answered the pumpkinhead i didn't need to for it's the simplest and easiest thing to do so tip got out his knife and fashioned some ears out of the bark of a small tree i mustn't make them too big he said as he whittled or our horse would become a donkey how is that inquired jack from the roadside why a horse has bigger ears than a man and a donkey has bigger ears than a horse explained tip then if my ears were longer would i be a horse asked jack my friend said tip gravely you'll never be anything but a pumpkin head no matter how big your ears are oh returned jack nodding, I think I understand." "'If you do, you're a wonder,' remarked the boy. But there's no harm in thinking you understand.

I guess these ears are ready now. Will you hold the horse while I stick them on?' "'Certainly if you'll help me,' said Jack. So Tip raised him to his feet, and the pumpkin head went to the horse and held its head, while the boy bore two holes in it with his knife-blade, and inserted the ears. They make him look very handsome, said Jack admiringly. But those words, spoken close to the saw-horse and being the first sounds he had ever heard, so startled the animal that he made a bound forward, and tumbled Tip on one side and Jack on the other.

Then he continued to rush forward as if frightened by the clatter of his own footsteps. Whoa! shouted Tip, picking himself up. Whoa, you idiot! Whoa! The saw-horse would probably have paid no attention to this, but just then it stepped the leg into a gopher hole and stumbled head over heels to the ground, where it lay upon its back, frantically waving its four legs in the air. Tip ran up to it. You're a nice sort of a horse, I must say, he exclaimed.

Why didn't you stop when I yelled whoa? Does woe mean stop? asked the saw-horse in a surprise voice, as it rolled its eyes upward to look at the boy. Of course it does, answered Tip. And a hole in the ground means to stop also, doesn't it? continued the horse. To be sure unless you step over it, said Tip. What a strange place this is, the creature exclaimed, as if amazed. What am I doing here anyway? why i've brought you to life answered the boy but it won't hurt you any if you mind me and do as i tell you then i will do as you tell me replied the saw-horse humbly but what happened to me a moment ago i don't seem to be just right some way

you're upside down explained tip but just keep those legs still a minute and i'll set you right side up again how many sides have i asked the creature wonderingly several said tip briefly but do keep those legs still the saw-horse now became quiet and held its legs rigid so that tip after several efforts was able to roll him over and set him upright ah i seem all right now said the queer animal with a sigh one of your ears is broken tip announced after a careful examination i'll have to make a new one then he led the saw-horse back to where jack was vainly struggling to regain his feet and after assisting the pumpkin head to stand upright tip whittled out a new ear and fastened it to the horse's head now said he addressing his steed pay attention to what i'm going to tell you woe means to stop get up means to walk forward trot means to go as fast as you can understand i believe i do returned the horse very good we are all going on a journey to the emerald city to see his majesty the scarecrow and jack pumpkinhead is going to rock on your back so he won't wear out his joints." "'I don't mind,' said the saw-horse.

"'Anything that suits you suits me.' Then Tip assisted Jack to get upon the horse. "'Hold on tight,' he cautioned. "'Or you may fall off and crack your pumpkin head.' "'That would be horrible,' said Jack with a shudder. "'What shall I hold on to?' "'Why, hold on to his ears,' replied Tip after a moment's hesitation. don't do that remonstrated the saw-horse for then i can't hear that seemed reasonable so tip tried to think of something else

i'll fix it said he at length he went into the woods and cut a short length of limb from a young stout tree one end of this he sharpened to a point and then he dug a hole in the back of the saw-horse just behind its head next he brought a point next he brought a point piece of rock from the road, and hammered the post firmly into the animal's back. "'Stop! stop!' shouted the horse. "'You're jarring me terribly.' "'Does it hurt?' asked the boy. "'Not exactly hurt,' answered the animal. "'But it makes me quite nervous to be jarred.' "'Well, it's all over now,' said Tip encouragingly.

"'Now, Jack, be sure to hold fast to this post, and then you can't fall off and get smashed. So Jack held on tight, and Tip said to the horse, Get up. The obedient creature at once walked forward, rocking from side to side as he raised his feet from the ground. Tip walked beside the saw-horse, quite content with this addition to their party. Presently he began to whistle. What does that sound mean? asked the horse. Don't pay any attention to it, said Tip. I'm just whistling, and that only means I'm pretty well satisfied. I'd whistle myself if I could push my lips together, remarked Jack.

I fear, dear father, that in some respects I am sadly lacking. After journeying on for some distance, the narrow path they were following turned into a broad roadway paved with yellow brick. By the side of the road, Tip noticed a signpost that read, Nine miles to Emerald City. But it was now growing dark, so he decided to camp for the night by the roadside and to resume the journey next morning by daybreak. He led the saw-horse to a grassy mound

upon which grew several bushy trees and carefully assisted the pumpkin head to alight. I think I'll lay you upon the ground over, "'Evernight,' said the boy. "'You will be safer that way.' "'How about me?' asked the saw-horse. "'It won't hurt you to stand,' replied Tip. "'And as you can't sleep, you may as well watch out and see that no one comes near to disturb us.'

Then the boy stretched himself upon the grass beside the pumpkin-head, and, being greatly wearied by the journey, was soon fast asleep. End of Chapter 5. Chapter 6 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 6. Jack Pumpkinhead's Ride to the Emerald City. At daybreak, Tip was awakened by the pumpkinhead. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, bathed in a little brook, and then ate a portion of his bread.

and cheese. Having thus prepared for a new day, the boy said, Let us start at once. Nine miles is quite a distance, but we ought to reach the Emerald city by noon if no accidents happen. So the pumpkin-head was again perched upon the back of the saw-horse, and the journey was resumed. Tip noticed that the purple tint of the grass and trees had now faded to a dull lavender, and before long this lavender appeared to take on a greenish tent that gradually brightened as they drew nearer to the great city where the scarecrow ruled. The little party had traveled but a short two miles upon their way, when the road of yellow

bricks was parted by a broad and swift river. Tip was puzzled how to cross over, but after a time he discovered a man in a ferryboat approaching from the other side of the stream. When the man reached the bank, Tip asked, Will you row us to the other side?" "'Yes, if you have money,' returned the fairy man, whose face looked cross and disagreeable. "'But I have no money,' said Tip. "'None at all,' inquired the man.

"'None at all,' answered the boy. "'Then I'll not break my back rowing you over,' said the fairy man, decidedly. "'What a nice man!' remarked the pumpkinhead smilingly. The fairy man stared at him but made no reply. Tip was trying to think, for it was a great disappointment to him to find his journey so suddenly brought to an end. I must certainly get to the Emerald City, he said to the boatman. But how can I cross the river if you do not take me? The man laughed, and it was not a nice laugh.

The wooden horse will float, said he, and you can ride him across. As for the pumpkinhead loon who accompanies you, Let him sink or swim. It won't matter greatly which." "'Don't worry about me,' said Jack, smiling pleasantly upon the crabbed ferryman. "'I'm sure I ought to float beautifully.' Tip thought the experiment was worth making, and the saw-horse, who did not know what danger meant, offered no objections whatever.

So the boy led it down into the water and climbed upon its back. Jack also waded in up to his knees and grasped the tail of the horse so that he might keep his pumpkin head above the water. Now, said Tip, instructing the saw-horse, If you wiggle your legs you will probably swim, and if you swim, we can probably reach the other side. The saw-horse at once began to wiggle its legs, which acted as oars and moved the adventurers slowly across the water to the opposite side so successful was the trip that presently they were climbing wet and tripping up the grassy bank

tip's trouser legs and shoes were thoroughly soaked but the saw-horse had floated so perfectly that from his knees up the boy was entirely dry as for the pumpkin head every stitch of his gorgeous clothing dripped water the sun will soon dry us said tip and anyhow we are now safely across in spite of the ferryman and can continue our journey i didn't mind swimming at all remarked the horse nor did i added jack they soon regained the road of yellow brick which proved to be a continuation of the road they had left on the other side and then tip once more mounted the pumpkin head upon the back of the saw-horse if you ride fast said he the wind will help to dry your clothing i will hold on to the horse's tail and run after you in this way we will all become dry in a very short time then the horse must step lively said jack i'll do my best returned the saw-horse cheerfully tip grasped the end of the branch that served as a tail to the saw-horse and called loudly get up The horse started at a good pace, and Tip followed behind. Then he decided they could go faster, so he shouted, Trot.

Now the saw-horse remembered that this word was the command to go as fast as he could. So he began rocking along the road at a tremendous pace, and Tip had hard work running faster than he ever had before in his life to keep his feet. Soon he was out of breath, and although he was out of breath, than although he wanted to yell, Whoa, to the horse, he found he could not get the word out of his throat. Then the end of the tail he was clutching,

being nothing more than a dead branch, suddenly broke away, and the next minute the boy was rolling in the dust of the road, while the horse and its pumpkin-headed rider dashed on and quickly disappeared in the distance. By the time Tip had picked himself up and cleared the dust from his throat, so he could say, whoa, there was no further need of saying it, for the horse was long since

out of sight. So he did the only sensible thing he could do. He sat down and took a good rest, and afterward began walking along the road. "'Some time I will surely overtake them,' he reflected, "'for the road will end at the gates of the Emerald City, and they can go no further than that. Meantime, Jack was holding fast to the post, and the saw-horse was tearing along the road like a racer. Neither of them knew Tip was left behind, for the pumpkin-head did not look round, and the saw-horse couldn't.

As he rode, Jack noticed that the grass and trees had become a bright emerald green in color, so he guessed they were nearing the emerald city, even before the tall spires and domes came into sight. At length a high wall of green stone, studded thick with emeralds, loomed up before them, and fearing the saw-horse would not know enough to stop, and so might smash them both against this wall, Jack ventured to cry, whoa, as loud as he could. So suddenly did the horse obey. That had it not been for his post, Jack would have been pitched off head foremost and his beautiful face ruined. That was a fast ride, dear father, he exclaimed, and then hearing no reply,

he turned around and discovered for the first time that Tip was not there. This apparent desertion puzzled the pumpkinhead and made him uneasy, and while he was wondering what had become of the boy and what he ought to do next under such trying circumstances, the gateway in the green wall opened, and a man came out. This man was short and round, with a fat face that seemed remarkably good-natured. He was clothed all in green and wore a high-peaked green hat upon his head, and green spectacles over his eyes. Bowing before the pumpkin-head, he said, I am the guardian of the gates of the Emerald City. May I inquire who you are and what is your business?

My name is Jack Pumpkinhead, returned the other, smilingly. But as to my business, I haven't the least idea in the world what it is. The Guardian of the Gates looked surprised, and shook his head as if dissatisfied with the reply. What are you a man or a pumpkin? He asked politely. Both, if you please, answered Jack. And this wooden horse, is it all?

Alive? questioned the guardian. The horse rolled one naughty eye upward and winked at Jack. Then it gave a prance and brought one leg down on the guardian's toes. Ouch! cried the man. I'm sorry I asked that question, but the answer is most convincing. Have you any errand, sir, in the Emerald City? It seems to me that I have, replied the pumpkin head seriously, but I cannot think what it is.

My father knows all about it, but he is not here. That is a strange affair. Very strange, declared the guardian. But you seem harmless. Folks do not smile so delightfully when they mean mischief. As for that, said Jack, I cannot help my smile, or it is carved on my face with a jack-knife. Well, come with me into my room, resumed the guardian.

and I will see what can be done for you." So Jack rode the saw-horse through the gateway into a little room built into the wall. The guardian pulled a bell-cord and presently, a very tall soldier, clothed in a green uniform, entered from the opposite door. This soldier carried a long green gun over his shoulder, and had lovely green whiskers that fell quite to his knees. The guardian at once addressed him, saying, Here is a strange gentleman who doesn't know why he has come to the Emerald City,

or what he wants. Tell me what shall we do with him. The soldier with the green whiskers looked at Jack with much care and curiosity. Finally he shook his head so positively that little waves rippled down his whiskers, and then he said, I must take him to his majesty the scarecrow. But what will His Majesty the scarecrow do with him?" asked the Guardian of the Gates. "'That is His Majesty's business,' returned the soldier.

"'I have troubles enough of my own. All outside troubles must be turned over to His Majesty. So—put the spectacles on this fellow, and I'll take him to the Royal Palace.' So the Guardian opened a big box of spectacles, and tried to fit a pair to Jack's great round eyes. I haven't a pair in stock that will really cover those eyes up, said the little man with a sigh. And your head is so big that I shall be obliged to tie the spectacles on. But why need I wear spectacles? asked Jack. It's the fashion here, said the soldier.

And they will keep you from being blinded by the glitter and glare of the gorgeous emerald city. Oh! exclaimed Jack, tie them on by all means. I don't wish to be blinded. Nor I, broke in the saw-horse. So a pair of green spectacles was quickly fashioned over the bulging knots that served it for eyes. Then the soldier with the green whiskers led them through the inner gate, and they at once found themselves in the main street of the magnificent emerald city.

Sparkling green gems ornamented the fronts of the beautiful houses, and the towers and turrets were all faced with emeralds. Even the green marble pavement glittered with precious stones, and it was indeed a grand and marvelous sight to one who beheld it for the first time. However, the pumpkin-head and the saw-horse, knowing nothing of wealth and beauty, paid little attention to the wonderful sights they saw through their green spectacles. They calmly followed after the green soldier, and scarcely noticed the crowds of green people who stared at them in surprise. When a green dog ran out and barked at them, the saw-horse promptly kicked at it with its wooden leg and sent the little animal howling into one of the houses, but nothing

more serious than this happened to interrupt their progress to the royal palace. The pumpkin-head wanted to ride up the green marble steps and straight into the scarecrow's presence, but the soldier would not permit that. So Jack dismounted with much difficulty, and a servant led the saw-horse around to the rear, while the soldier with the green whiskers escorted the pumpkinhead into the palace by the front entrance. The stranger was left in a handsomely fashioned waiting-room while the soldier went to announce him. It so happened that at this hour his majesty was at leisure and greatly bored for want of something to do, so he ordered his visitors to be shown at once into his throne room.

Jack felt no fear or embarrassment at meeting the ruler of the king. of this magnificent city, for he was entirely ignorant of all worldly customs. But when he entered the room and saw for the first time His Majesty the Scarecrow seated upon his glittering throne, he stopped short in amazement. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by El Frank Baum. This Libre-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 7. His Majesty the Scarecrow. I suppose every reader of this book knows what a scarecrow is, but Jack Pumpkinhead,

never having seen such a creation, was more surprised at meeting the remarkable king of the Emerald City than by any other one experience of his brief life. His Majesty the Scarecrow was dressed in a suit of faded blue clothes, and his His head was merely a small sack stuffed with straw, upon which eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth had been rudely painted to represent a face. The clothes were also stuffed with straw, and that so unevenly and carelessly that his majesty's legs and arms seemed more bumpy than was necessary. Upon his hands were gloves with long fingers, and these were patted with cotton.

of straw stuck out from the monarch's coat and also from his deck and boot tops. Upon his head he wore a heavy golden crown, set thick with sparkling jewels, and the weight of this crown caused his brow to sag and wrinkles, giving a thoughtful expression to the painted face. Indeed, the crown alone betokened majesty. In all else the scarecrow king was but a simple scarecrow, flimsy, awkward and unsubstantial. But if the strange appearance of His Majesty the scarecrow seemed startling to Jack, no less wonderful was the form of the pumpkin-head to the scarecrow. The purple trousers and pink waistcoat and red shirt hung loosely over the wooden

joints tip had manufactured, and the carved face on the pumpkin grinned perpetually, as if its wearer considered life the jolliest thing imaginable. at first indeed his majesty thought his queer visitor was laughing at him and was inclined to resent such a liberty but it was not without reason that the scarecrow had attained the reputation of being the wisest personage in the land of oz he made a more careful examination of his visitor and soon discovered that jack's features were carved into a smile and that he could not look grave if he wished to the king was the first to speak after regarding jack for some minutes he said in a tone of wonder where on earth did you come from and how do you happen to be alive i beg your majesty's pardon returned the pumpkinhead but i do not understand you what don't you understand asked a scarecrow why i don't understand your language you see i come from the country of the gillikins so that i am a foreigner." "'Ah, to be sure!' exclaimed the scarecrow.

"'I myself speak the language of the Munchkins, which is also the language of the Emerald City, but you, I suppose, speak the language of the pumpkin-heads?' "'Exactly so, Your Majesty,' replied the other, bowing. So it will be impossible for us to understand one another. That is unfortunate, certainly,' said the scarecrow thoughtfully. we must have an interpreter. What is an interpreter? asked Jack. A person who understands both my language and your own.

When I say anything, the interpreter can tell you what I mean, and when you say anything, the interpreter can tell us what you mean, for the interpreter can speak both languages as well as understand them. That is certainly clever, said Jack, greatly pleased that finding so simple a way out of the difficulty. So the scarecrow commanded the soldier with the green whiskers to search among his people until he found one who understood the language of the Gillikins as well as the language of the Emerald City,

and to bring that person to him at once. When the soldier had departed, the scarecrow said, Won't you take a chair while we are waiting? Your Majesty forgets that I cannot understand you, replied the Pumpkinhead. If you wish me to sit down, you must make a sign for me to do so. The scarecrow came down from his throne and rolled an armchair to a position behind the pumpkin head. Then he gave Jack a sudden push that sent him sprawling upon the cushions in so awkward a fashion that he doubled up like a jackknife and had hard work to untangle him.

himself. Did you understand that sign? asked his majesty politely. Perfectly, declared Jack, reaching up his arms to turn his head to the front, the pumpkin having twisted around upon the stick that supported it. You seem hastily made, remarked the scarecrow, watching Jack's efforts to straighten himself. No more so than your majesty, was the frank reply. There is this difference between. us," said the scarecrow, that whereas I will bend but not break, you will break, but not bend.

At this moment the soldier returned, leading a young girl by the hand. She seemed very sweet and modest, having a pretty face and beautiful green eyes and hair. A dainty green silk skirt reached to her knees, showing silk stockings embroidered with peepods, green satin slippers with bunches of lettuce or decorations instead of bows or buckles. Upon her silken waist, clover leaves were embroidered, and she wore a jaunty little jacket, trimmed with sparkling emeralds of a uniform size. "'Why, it's little jelly a jam!' exclaimed the scarecrow, as the green maiden bowed her pretty head before him.

"'Do you understand the language of the Gillikins, my dear?' yes your majesty she answered for i was born in the north country then you shall be our interpreter said the scarecrow and explain to this pumpkin-head all that i say and also explain to me all that he says is this arrangement satisfactory he asked turning toward his guest very satisfactory indeed was the reply then ask him to begin with resumed the scarecrow turning toward his guest very satisfactory indeed was the reply then ask him to begin with resumed the scarecrow turning to Jellia. What brought him to the Emerald City? But instead of this the girl who had been staring at Jack said to him, "'You are certainly a wonderful creature. Who made you?' "'A boy named Tip,' answered Jack. "'What does he say?' inquired the scarecrow. "'My ears must have deceived me. What did he say?' "'He says that your majesty's brains seemed to have come loose, replied the girl demurely.

The scarecrow moved uneasily upon his throne and felt of his head with his left hand. What a fine thing it is to understand two different languages, he said with a perplexed sigh. Ask him, my dear, if he has any objection to being put in jail for insulting the ruler of the Emerald City? I didn't insult you, protested Jack indignantly. tut tut cautioned the scarecrow wait until jellia translates my speech what have we got an interpreter for if you break out in this rash way all right i'll wait replied the pumpkinhead in a surly tone although his face smiled as genially as ever translate the speech young woman his majesty inquires if you are hungry said jellia oh not at all answered jack more pleasantly for it is impossible for me to eat it's the same way with me remarked the scarecrow what did he say jellia my dear he asked if you were aware that one of your eyes is painted larger than the other said the girl mischievously don't you believe her your majesty cried jack oh i don't answered the scarecrow calmly then casting a sharp look

at the girl he asked, Are you quite certain you understand the languages of both the Gillikins and the Munchkins? Quite certain, Your Majesty, said Jellia Jam, trying hard not to laugh in the face of royalty. Then how is it that I seem to understand them myself? inquired the scarecrow. Because they are one and the same, declared the girl, now laughing merrily. Does not your majesty know? that in all the land of oz but one language is spoken is it indeed so cried the scarecrow much relieved to hear this then i might easily have been my own interpreter it was all my fault your majesty said jack looking rather foolish i thought we must surely speak different languages since we came from different countries

this should be a warning to you never to think returned the scarecrow severely for unless one can think wisely it is better to remain a dummy which you most certainly are i am i surely am agreed the pumpkinhead it seems to me continued the scarecrow more mildly that your manufacturer spoil some good pies to create an indifferent man i assure your majesty that i did not ask to be created answered jack ah it was the same in my case said the king pleasantly and so as we differ from all ordinary people let us become friends with all my heart exclaimed jack what have you a heart asked the scarecrow surprised no that was only imaginative i might say a figure of speech said the other well your most prominent figure seems to be a figure of wood so i must beg you to restrain an imagination which having no brains you have no right to exercise suggested the scarecrow warningly to be sure said jack without in the least comprehending his majesty then dismissed jellyajam and the soldier with the green whiskers and when they were gone he took his new friend by the arm and led him into the courtyard to play a game of quites end of chapter seven chapter eight of the marvelous land of oz by l frank balm this laborvox recording is in the public domain chapter eight general ginger's army

tip was so anxious to rejoin his man jack and the saw-horse that he walked a full half the distance to the emerald city without stopping to rest then he discovered that he was hungry and the crackers and cheese he had provided for the journey had all been eaten while wondering what he should do in this emergency he came upon a girl sitting by the roadside she wore a costume that struck the boy as being remarkable brilliant. Her silken waist being of emerald green and her skirt of four distinct colors. Blue in front, yellow at the left side, red at the back, and purple at the right side. Fastening the waist in front were four buttons. The top one blue, the next yellow, the third red, and the last purple. The splendor of this dress was almost barbaric. so tip was fully justified in staring at the gown for some moments before his eyes were attracted by the pretty face above it yes the face was pretty enough he decided but it wore an expression of discontent coupled to a shade of defiance or audacity while the boy stared the girl looked upon him calmly a lunch basket stood beside her and she held a dainty sandwich in one hand

and a hard-boiled egg in the other, eating with an evident appetite that aroused Tip's sympathy. He was just about to ask a share of the luncheon when the girl stood up and brushed the crumbs from her lap. There, said she, it is time for me to go. Carry the basket for me and help yourself to its contents if you are hungry. Tip seized the basket eagerly and began to eat, following for a time the strange girl without bothering to ask questions. She walked along before him with swift strides, and there was about her an air of decision and importance that led him to suspect she was some great personage. Finally, when he had satisfied his hunger, he ran up beside her and tried to keep pace with her

swift footsteps, a very difficult feat, for she was much taller than he and evidently in a hurry. Thank you very much for the sandwiches, said Tip as he trotted along. May I ask your name? I am General Ginger, was the brief reply. Oh, said the boy, surprised. What sort of a general? I command the army of revolt in this war, answered the general with unnecessary sharpness. Oh, he again exclaimed, I didn't know there was a war.

You were not supposed to know it, she returned, for we have kept it a secret, and considering that our army is composed entirely of girls, she added with some pride, it is surely a remarkable thing that our revolt is not yet discovered. It is indeed, acknowledged Tip, but where is your army? About a mile from here, said General Ginger. the forces have assembled from all parts of the land of Oz at my express command, for this is the day we are to conquer his majesty the scarecrow, and rest from him the throne. The army of revolt only awaits my coming to march upon the Emerald City.

Well, declared Tip, drawing a long breath. This is certainly a surprising thing. May I ask why you wish to conquer His Majesty the scarecrow? Because the Emerald City has been ruled by men long enough for one reason, said the girl. Moreover, the city glitters with beautiful gems, which might far better be used for rings, bracelets, and necklaces, and there is enough money in the King's treasury to buy every girl in our army a dozen new gowns. so we intend to conquer the city and run the government to suit ourselves. Ginger spoke these words with an eagerness and decision that proved she was in earnest.

But war is a terrible thing, said Tip thoughtfully. This war will be pleasant, replied the girl cheerfully. Many of you will be slain, continued the boy in an awed voice. Oh, no, said Ginger. What man would oppose a girl, or dare to harm her? And there is not an ugly face in my entire army.' Tip laughed. "'Perhaps you are right,' said he.

"'But the guardian of the gate is considered a faithful guardian, and the king's army will not let the city be conquered without a struggle.' "'The army is old and feeble,' replied General Ginger scornfully. "'His strength has all been used to grow with. whiskers, and his wife has such a temper that she has already pulled more than half of them out by the roots. When the wonderful wizard reigned, the soldier with the green whiskers was a very good royal army, but people fear the wizard.

But no one is afraid of the scarecrow, so his royal army don't count for much in time of war. After this conversation they proceeded some distance in silence, and before long, reached a large clearing in the forest, where fully four hundred young women were assembled. These were laughing and talking together, as gaily as if they had gathered for a picnic instead of a war of conquest. They were divided into four companies, and Tip noticed that all were dressed in costumes similar to that worn by General Ginger. The only real difference was that while those girls from the Munchkin country had the blue-o'-de-lawed. strip in front of their skirts. Those from the country of the quadlings had the red strip in front,

and those from the country of the Winkies had the yellow strip in front, and the Gilliken girls wore the purple strip in front. All had green waists, representing the Emerald City they intended to conquer, and the top button on each waist, indicated by its color, which country the wearer came from. The uniforms were jaunty and becoming, and quite a far. effective when masked together. Tip thought this strange army bore no weapons whatsoever, but in this he was wrong, for each girl had stuck through the knot of her back hair, two long glittering knitting needles. General Ginger immediately mounted the stump of a tree and addressed her army.

"'Friends, fellow citizens and girls,' she said, we are about to begin our great revolt against the men of Oz. We march to conquer the Emerald City, to dethrone the scarecrow king, to acquire thousands of gorgeous gems, to rifle the royal treasury, and to obtain power over our former oppressors, said those who had listened,

but Tip thought most of the army was too much engaged in chattering to pay attention to the word of the general. The command to march was now given, and the girls formed themselves into four bands or companies, and set off with eager strides toward the Emerald City. The boy followed after them, carrying several baskets and wraps and packages, which various members of the Army of Revolt had placed in his care. It was not long before they came to the green granite walls of the city and halted before the gateway. The guardian of the gate at once came out, and looked at them curiously, as if a circus

had come to town. He carried a bunch of keys swung round his neck by a golden chain. His hands were thrust carelessly into his pockets, and he seemed to have no idea at all that the city was threatened by rebels. Speaking pleasantly to the girls he said, "'Good morning, my dears, what can I do for you?' surrender instantly shouted general ginger standing before him and frowning as terribly as her pretty face would allow her to surrender echoed the man astounded why it's impossible it's against the law i never heard of such a thing in my life still you must surrender exclaimed the general fiercely we are revolting you don't look it said the guardian gazing from one to another admiringly

but we are cried ginger stamping her foot impatiently and we mean to conquer the emerald city good gracious returned the surprise the guardian of the gates what a nonsense sensible idea. Go home to your mothers, my good girls, and milk the cows and bake the bread. Don't you know it's a dangerous thing to conquer a city?" We are not afraid," responded the general, and she looked so determined that it made the guardian uneasy. So he rang the bell for the soldier with the green whiskers, and the next minute was sorry he had done so, for immediately. he was surrounded by a crowd of girls who drew the knitting needles from their hair and began

jabbing them at the guardian with the sharp points dangerously near his fat cheeks and blinking eyes. The poor man howled loudly for mercy and made no resistance when Ginger drew the bunch of keys from around his neck. Followed by her army the general now rushed to the gateway, where she was confronted by the Royal Army of Oz, which was the other name for the soldier with the green whiskers. Halt! he cried, and pointed his long gun full in the face of the leader. Some of the girls screamed and ran back. But General Ginger bravely stood her ground and said, reproachfully,

Well, how now? Would you shoot a poor defenseless girl? No, replied the soldier, for my gun isn't loaded. Not loaded? No, for fear of accidents. And I've forgotten where I hit the powder and the shot to load it with, but if you'll wait a short time I'll try and hunt them up. Don't trouble yourself, said Ginger cheerfully. Then she turned to her army and cried,

Girls, the gun isn't loaded. Array! shrieked the rebels, delighted at this good news, and they proceeded to rush upon the soldier with the green whiskers in such a crowd that it was a wonder they didn't stick the knitting needles into one another. But the Royal Army of Oz was too much afraid of women to meet the onslaught. He simply turned about and ran with all his might through the gate and toward the Royal Palace, while General Ginger and her mob flocked into the unprotected city.

In this way was the Emerald City Cat. captured without a drop of blood being spilled. The army of revolt had become an army of conquerors. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9 The Scarecrow Plans and Escape. Tip slipped away from the girls and followed swiftly after the

soldier with the green whiskers. The invading army entered the city more slowly, for they stopped to dig emeralds out of the walls and paving stones with the points of their knitting needles. So the soldier and the bar reached the palace before the news had spread that the city was conquered. The scarecrow and Jack Pumpkinhead were still playing at Quites in the courtyard when the game was interrupted by the abrupt entrance of the Royal Army of Oz, who came flying in without his hat or gun, his clothes in sad disarray, and his long beard floating a yard behind him as he ran. "'Tally one for me,' said the scarecrow calmly.

"'What's wrong, my men?' he asked addressing the soldier. "'Oh, your majesty! Your majesty! The city is conquered!' gasped the royal army, who was all out of breath. "'This is quite sudden,' said the scarecrow. but please go and bar the doors and windows of the palace, while I show this pumpkin-head how to throw a quoit. The soldier hastened to do this, while Tip, who had arrived at his heels, remained in the courtyard to look at the scarecrow with wondering eyes.

His Majesty continued to throw the quites as coolly as if no danger threatened his throne. But the pumpkin-head, having caught sight of Tip, ambled toward the boy as fast, as his wooden legs would go. Good afternoon, noble parent, he cried delightedly. I'm glad to see you are here. That terrible saw-horse ran away with me. I suspected it, said Tip. Did you get hurt?

Are you cracked at all? No, I arrived safely, answered Jack. And his majesty has been very kind indeed to me. At this moment the soldier with the green whiskers returned, and the scarecrow asked, By the way, who has conquered me?' "'A regiment of girls gathered from the four corners of the land of Oz,' replied the soldier, still pale with fear.

"'But where was my standing army at the time?' inquired His Majesty, looking at the soldier gravely. "'Your standing army was running,' answered the fellow, honestly. "'For no man could face the terrible weapons of the invaders.' "'Well,' said the scarecrow. after a moment's thought, I don't mind much the loss of my throne, for it's a tiresome job to rule over the Emerald City, and this crown is so heavy that it makes my headache. But I hope the conquerors have no intention of injuring me, just because I happen to be the king.

I heard them say, remarked Tip with some hesitation, that they intend to make a rag carpet of your outside, and stuffed their sofa cushions with your inside. Then I am really in danger, declared His Majesty positively, and it will be wise for me to consider a means to escape. Where can you go? asked Jack Pumpkinhead. Why, to my friend the tin woodman, who rules over the winkies and calls himself their emperor, was the answer. I am sure he will protect me.

Tip was looking out the window. The palace is surrounded by the enemy, said he. It is too late to escape. they would soon tear you to pieces the scarecrow sighed in an emergency he announced it is always a good thing to pause and reflect please excuse me while i pause and reflect but we also are in danger said the pumpkinhead anxiously if any of these girls understand cooking my end is not far off nonsense exclaimed a scarecrow there too too busy to cook, even if they know how. But should I remain here a prisoner for any length of time, protested Jack? I'm liable to spoil.

Ah, then you would not be fit to associate with, returned the scarecrow. The matter is more serious than I suspected. You, said the pumpkinhead, gloomily, are liable to live for many years. My life is necessarily short. So I must take advantage of the few days that remain to me. There, there, don't worry, answered the scarecrow soothingly. If you'll keep quiet long enough for me to think, I'll try to find some way for us all to escape.

So the others waited in patient silence, while the scarecrow walked to a corner and stood with his face to the wall for a good five minutes. At the end of that time he faced them with a more cheerful expression upon his painted face. Where is the saw-horse you rode here? He asked the pumpkinhead. Why, I said he was a jewel, and so your man locked him up in the royal treasury, said Jack.

It was the only place I could think of, Your Majesty, added the soldier, fearing he had made a blunder. It pleases me very much, said the scarecrow. Has the animal been fed? Oh, yes. I gave him a heaping peck of sawdust. "'Excellent!' cried the scarecrow. "'Bring the horse here at once.'

The soldier hastened away, and presently they heard the clattering of the horse's wooden legs upon the pavement as he was led into the courtyard. His Majesty regarded this deed, critically. "'He doesn't seem especially graceful,' he remarked musingly. "'But I suppose he can run?' "'He can indeed,' said Tip, gazing. upon the saw-horse admiringly. Then, bearing us upon his back, he must make a dash through the ranks of the rebels,

and carry us to my friend the tin woodman, announced the scarecrow. He can't carry four, objected Tip. No, but he may be induced to carry three, said his majesty. I shall therefore leave my royal army behind, far from the ease with which he was conquered, I have little confidence in his powers. Still he can't run, declared Tip laughingly. I expected this blow, said the soldier sulkily. But I can bear it.

I shall disguise myself by cutting off my lovely green whiskers. And after all it is no more dangerous to face those reckless girls and to ride this fiery, untamed wooden horse. Perhaps you are right, observed his majesty, but for my part not being a soldier. I am fond of danger. Now, my boy, you must mount first, and please sit as close to the horse's neck as possible.

Tip climbed quickly to his place, and the soldier and the scarecrow managed to hoist the pumpkinhead to a seat just behind him. There remained so little small. for the king that he was liable to fall off as soon as the horse started. "'Fetch a clothes-line,' said the king to his army, "'and tie us all together. "'Then if one falls off we will all fall off.' And while the soldier was gone for the clothes-line,

His Majesty continued, "'It is well for me to be careful, for my very existence is in danger.' "'I have to be as careful as you do,' said Jack. "'Not exactly,' replied the scarecrow. "'For if anything happened to me that would be the end of me. But if anything happened to you, they could use you for a seed.' The soldier now returned with a long line and tied all three firmly together, also lashing them to the body of the saw-horse, so there seemed little danger of their

tumbling off. "'Now throw open the gates,' commanded the scarecrow. and we will make a dash to liberty or to death the courtyard in which they were standing was located in the center of the great palace which surrounded it on all sides but in one place a passage led to an outer gateway which the soldier had barred by order of his sovereign it was through this gateway his majesty proposed to escape and the royal army now led the saw-horse along the passage and unbarred the gate-the-guard the gate and the royal army now led the saw-horse along the passage and unbarred the gate which swung backward with a loud crash. Now, said Tip to the horse, you must save us all. Run as fast as you can for the gate of the city, and don't let anything stop you. All right, entered the saw-horse gruffly, and dashed away so suddenly that Tip had to gasp for breath

and hold firmly to the post he had driven into the creature's neck. Several of the girls who stood outside guarding the palace were knocked over by the saw-horses mad dash. Others ran screaming out of the way, and only one or two jabbed their knitting needles frantically at the escaping prisoners. Tip got one small prick in his left arm, which smarted for an hour afterward, but the needles had no effect upon the scarecrow or jacked pumpkinhead, who never even suspected they were being prodded.

As for the saw-horse, he made a wonderful record upsetting a fruit-cart, overturning several meek-looking men, and finally bowling over the new guardian of the gate, a fussy little fat woman appointed by General Ginger. Nor did the impetuous charger stop then. Once outside the walls of the Emerald City, he dashed along the road to the west with fast and violent leaps that shook the breath out of the boy and filled the skin. with wonder. Jack had ridden at this mad rate once before, so he devoted every effort to holding with both hands his pumpkin head upon its stick, enduring meantime the dreadful jolting

with the courage of a philosopher. "'Slow him up! slow him up!' shouted the scarecrow. My straw is all shaking down into my legs. But Tip had no breath to speak. So the saw-horse continued his wild career unchecked. and with unabated speed. Presently they came to the banks of a wide river, and, without a pause,

the wooden steed gave one final leap and launched them all in mid-air. A second later they were rolling, splashing, and bobbing about in the water. The horse struggling frantically to find a rest for its feet, and the riders, being first plunged beneath the rapid current, and then floating upon the surface like corks. end of chapter nine chapter ten of the marvellous land of oz by l frank balm this lebrvox recording is in the public domain chapter ten the journey to the tin woodman tip was well soaked in dripping water from every angle of his body but he managed to lean forward and shout in the ear of the saw-horse keep still you fool keep still

the horse at once ceased struggling and floated calmly upon the surface its wooden body being as buoyant as a raft what does the word fool mean inquired the horse it is a term of reproach answered tip somewhat ashamed of the expression i only use it when i am angry then it pleases me to be able to call you a fool in return said the horse for i did not make the river nor put it in our way so only a term of reproach is fit for one who becomes angry with me for falling into the water that is quite evident replied tip so i will acknowledge myself in the wrong then he called out to pumpkinhead are you all right jack there was no reply so the boy called to the king are you all right your majesty the scarecrow groaned I'm all wrong somehow,' he said in a weak voice, "'how very wet this water is!' Tip was bound so tightly by the cord that he could not turn his head to look at his companions,

so he said to the saw-horse, paddle with your legs toward the shore. The horse obeyed, and although their progress was slow, they finally reached the opposite riverbank at a place where it was low enough to enable the creature to scramble upon dry land. With some difficulty the boy managed to get his knife out of his pocket and cut the cords that bound the riders to one another and to the wooden horse.

He heard the scarecrow fall to the ground with a mushy sound, and then he himself quickly dismounted and looked at his friend Jack. The wooden body with its gorgeous clothing still sat upright upon the horse's back, but the pumpkin head was gone. and only the sharpened stick that served for a neck was visible. As for the scarecrow, the straw in his body had shaken down with the jolting and packed itself into his legs, and the lower part of his body, which appeared very plump and round, while his upper half seemed like an empty sack.

Upon his head the scarecrow still wore the heavy crown, which had been sewed on, to prevent his losing it, but the head was now so damp and limp. at the weight of the gold and jewels sagged forward and crushed the painted face into a mass of wrinkles that made him look exactly like a japanese pug-dog tip would have laughed had he not been so anxious about his man jack but the scarecrow however damaged was all there while the pumpkin head that was so necessary to jack's existence was missing so the boy seized a long pole that fortunately lay near at hand, and anxiously turned again toward the river. Far out upon the waters he sighted the golden hue of the pumpkin, which gently bobbed up and down with the motion of the waves. At that moment it was quite out of tip's reach, but after a time it floated nearer and still

nearer, until the boy was able to reach it with his pole and draw it to the shore. Then he brought it to the top of the bank, carefully wiped the water from his pump face with his handkerchief and ran with it to Jack and replaced the head upon the man's neck. "'Dear me!' were Jack's first words. "'What a dreadful experience! I wonder if water is liable to spoil pumpkins!' Tip did not think a reply was necessary, for he knew that the scarecrow also stood in need of his help.

So he carefully removed the straw from the king's body and legs, and spread it out in the sun to dry. The wet clothing he hung over the body of the saw-horse. "'If water spoils pumpkins,' observed Jack with a deep sigh, "'then my days are numbered.' "'I've never noticed that water spoils pumpkins,' returned tip, "'unless the water happens to be boiling. "'If your head isn't cracked, my friend, you must be in fairly good condition.' "'Oh, my head isn't cracked in the least,' declared Jack more cheerfully.

Then don't worry, retorted the boy. Care once killed a cat. Then, said Jack seriously, I am very glad indeed that I am not a cat. The sun was fast drying their clothing, and Tip stirred up his majesty's straw so that the warm rays might absorb the moisture and make it as crisp and dry as ever.

When this had been accomplished, he stopped the scarecrow into symmetrical shape and smoothed out his face so that he wore his usual gay and charming expression. Thank you very much, said the monarch brightly, as he walked about and found himself to be well-balanced. There are several distinct advantages in being a scarecrow, for if one has friends near at hand to repair damages, nothing very serious can happen to you. I wonder if hot sunshine is liable to crack pumpkins, said Jack, with an anxious.

ring in his voice. "'Not at all, not at all,' replied the scarecrow gaily. "'All you need fear, my boy, is old age. When your golden youth has decayed, we shall quickly 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.'

So they remounted the saw-horse, tip holding to the post, the pumpkin head clinging to tip, and the scarecrow with both arms around the wooden farm of Jack. Go slowly, for now there is no danger of pursuit, said Tip to his steed. All right, responded the creature, in a voice rather gruff. Aren't you a little horse? asked the pumpkinhead politely. The saw-horse gave an angry prance and rolled one naughty 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.' "'I'll have nothing more to do with that pumpkin head,' declared the saw-horse viciously. "'He loses his head too easily to suit me.'

There seemed no fitting 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 injure pumpkins? asked Jack, glancing around fearfully.

They are all dead, so it doesn't matter, replied the scarecrow. And here is where Nick Chopper, the wicked witch's gray wolves." Who was Nick Chopper? asked Tip. That is the name of my friend the Tin Woodman, 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 not 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 by and by and 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 softly cool let us lie down here and sleep till morning 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 hungry too here is a new danger remarked jack I hope you are not fond of eating pumpkins?"

"'Not unless they're stewed and made in the pies,' answered the bar, laughing. "'So have no fears of me, 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,' retarded Jack angrily. "'Dare 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 quiet and allow him to sleep or it is said that in sleep a mortal may forget even hunger thank you 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 end of chapter ten chapter eleven of the marvellous land of oz by el frank balm this libri vogue's recording is in the public domain Chapter 11 A Nickel-Plated Emperor Tip awoke soon after dawn, but the scarecrow had already risen and plucked with his clumsy fingers, a double handful of ripe berries from some bushes nearby. 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 hill from which 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 sight, and exclaimed, How delighted I shall be to see my old friend the Tin Woodman again! I hope that he rules his people more successfully than I have ruled mine. Is the Tin Woodman the Emperor of the Winkies? asked the horse. Yes, indeed. They invited him to rule over 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. I thought that emperor was the title of a person who rules an empire, said Tip, and the country 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 i'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 pallet steps An aged Winky, dressed in a uniform of silvercloth, came forward to assist them to alight. Said the scarecrow to his 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, I fear I must ask you to wait for a time. The Emperor is not receiving this morning. How is that? He inquired the scarecrow anxiously. I hope nothing has happened to him. Oh, 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 see, cried the scarecrow, greatly reassured. My friend was ever inclined to be a dandy, and I suppose he is now more proud than ever of his. his personal appearance. He is indeed, said the man with a 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 am sure the emperor will receive us even in his present state. The emperor's state is always. He's magnificent," said the man. But I will venture to tell him of your arrival and will receive his commands concerning 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.

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 woodmen, Dorothy, the cowardly lion, and the scarecrow. The lines of the engravings 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 the 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 foals and wrinkles. My dear old friend, my noble comrade, cried the ten woodman joyfully, how delighted I am to meet you once again.

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 and many portions of his body bore great blotches of putts pomade, for the tin woodman in his eagerness to welcome his friend, had quite forgotten the condition of his tarlet, 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 man. mess I'm in.

Never mind, my friend, returned the tin woodman. 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 companions?

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 our select society.' "'I thank your majesty,' said Jack, humbly. "'I hope you are enjoying good health,' continued the woodman.

"'At present, yes,' replied the pumpkin-head with a sigh. "'Ah, 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 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 indefinitely. Tip, during this conversation, was looking at the woodmen with undisguised amazement, and

noticed that the celebrated Emperor of the Winkies was composed entirely of pieces of tin, neatly soldered 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 constructed, 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 tent. Woodman to remember that he was not in the most presentable 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 accomplished in a short time, and when the emperor returned, 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 necessary, because I had become somewhat scratched during 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 wizard, when he placed that valued organ in my breast with his own skin. skillful hands.

Is your heart then a hand-organ? asked the pumpkin-head curiously. 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 real friend?

was the reply, for the girls of Oz have risen in revolt and driven me out of the Emerald 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 females are also of the opinion that men have ruled the land long in enough. So they have captured my city, robbed my treasury 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 woodmen. Ah, we must not give them time to do that, said the emperor quickly. We will go at once and recapture the Emerald City and place the scarecrow again upon his throne. I was sure you would help me, remarked the scarecrow at 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,' answered Jack, "'forgetting his recent quarrel with the quadruped. "'The ten woodman looked around him in a puzzled 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 wonders will never cease. How came this creature alive? I did it with a magic powder, modestly asserted the boy, and the saw-horse has been very useful to us. 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 distinct 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 experience does not always mean wisdom, But time is precious just now, so let us quickly make preparations 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 tail. and his crown polished and again sewed upon his head, for the tin woodman insisted he should not renounce this badge of royalty. The scarecrow now presented a very respectable appearance, and, although in no way addicted to vanity, he 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 pumpkin-head 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 end of chapter eleven chapter twelve of the marvellous land of oz by l frank balm this labor fox recording is in the public domain chapter twelve mr h m wogglebug t e now general ginger 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 those famous heroes who had passed successfully through so many startling adventures.

So Ginger sent post-haste for Old Mambi the Witch, and promised her large reward. if she would come to the assistance of the rebel army. Mambi 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 to induce her to travel to the Emerald City, to assist Ginger in defeating the scarecrow and the tin woodman, who had made Tip one of their friends. Mombie had no sooner arrived at the royal palace,

Then she discovered, by means of her secret magic, that the adventurers were starting upon their journey to the Emerald City. So she retired to a small room, high up in a tower, and locked herself in while she practiced such arts as she could command, to prevent the return of the scarecrow and his companions. That was why the tin woodman presently stopped and said, something very curious has happened i ought to know by heart and every step of this journey yet i fear we have lost our way that is quite impossible protested the scarecrow why do you think my dear friend that we have gone astray why here before us is a great field of sunflowers and i never saw this field before in 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 blinding in their vivid hues of red and gold but each one whirled around upon its stalk like a miniature windmill 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 advanced 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, and yet I do not know how else we can proceed upon our way.

They look to me strangely like the faces of 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 Mambi 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 ten eyelids, you must not imagine.

We are all built in the same way. And the eyes of the saw-horse are not 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 pumpkin-head rode boldly forward. forward, and Tip grasped the stub-tail of the saw-horse, and followed 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 announced that the way was clear before them. They all paused to look backward. Not a trace of the field of sunflowers remained. More cheerfully now, they proceeded upon their journey, but O Mombie had so changed the appearance of the landscape that they would surely have been lost, had not the scarecrow wisely concluded to take their direction from the sun, for no witchcraft 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 pumpkin head 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 replaced 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 nearby I might soon manufacture another leg for this animal,

but I cannot see even a shrub for miles around. And there are neither fences nor houses in this part of the land of Oz,' added the scarecrow disconsolately. then what shall we do inquired the boy i suppose i must start my brains working replied his majesty the scarecrow our 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 the others followed his gaze and discovered coming toward them the most extraordinary object they had ever beheld it advanced quickly and 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 handed it with a shake of his head to tip. The boy read aloud, Mr. H. M. Wogglebug, T.E. Dear me, ejaculated the pumpkin-head, 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 inquired 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 wogh Wogglebug proudly. Oh, I see. The scarecrow viewed the stranger critically. And are you in truth highly magnified? Sir, said the Wogglebug. I take you for a gentleman of judgment and discernment. Does it not occur to you that I am several thousand times greater than any

Wogglebug 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?' "'Those letters express my degree,' answered. the Wogglebug 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 yellow, delicate feet, the toes curling upward. The body of the Wogglebug was rather flat, and judging from what could be seen of it, was of a glistening dark brown color upon the back, while the front was striped with alternate bands of light brown and white, blending together

with 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 curling antenna or feeler, and its ears from the upper points bore antenna that decorated the sides of its head like two miniature curling pigtails. It must be admitted that the round black eyes were rather bulging in appearance, but the expression upon the Wogglebug's face was by no means unpleasant. For dress the insect wore a dark blue swallow-tail coat with the a yellow silk lining, and a flower in the buttonhole, a vest of white duck that stretched

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 Wogglebug 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 Wogglebug earnestly. It affords me great pleasure to surprise people, for surely I cannot be classed with ordinary insects, and am entitled to both curiosity and admiration from those I meet. You are indeed, agreed His Majesty. If you will permit me to seat myself in your Augustus, company," continued the stranger.

"'I will gladly relate my history, so that you will be better able to comprehend my unusual, may I say, remarkable appearance?' "'You may say what you please,' answered the tin woodman briefly. So the Woggle-Bugs sat down upon the grass, facing the little group of wanderers, and told them the following story. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Levery Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 13. A highly magnified history. It is but honest that I should acknowledge at the beginning of my recital that I was born an ordinary Wogglebug.

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 motionless, 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 regular ordained existence of woggle-bugs, as well as many other tiny creatures that inhabit the earth.

But destiny had singled be out, humble though I was, for a grander fate. One day I crawled near to a country schoolhouse, 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, by glowing embers, sat the master at his desk. No one noticed so small a creature as a warble-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 Know It All 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 were more attentive than the humble, unnoticed Wogglebug, and I acquired in this way a fund of knowledge that I will myself confess is simply marvelous. That is why I place T.E. thoroughly educated upon my cards, for my greatest pride lies in the fact that the world cannot produce another, Wagobug, with a tenth part of my own culture and erudition." "'I do not blame you,' said the scarecrow. "'Education is a thing to be proud of. I'm educated myself.

The mess of brains given me by the great 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 are brains. To me, said the saw-horse, a good leg is more desirable than either. Could seeds be considered in the light of brains? Inquired the pumpkin head abruptly. Keep quiet, commanded Tip sternly. Very well, dear father, answered the obedient, Jack.

The Wogglebug listened patiently, even respectfully, to these remarks, and then resumed his story. "'I must have lived fully three years in that secluded schoolhouse hearth,' said he, "'drinking thirstily at the ever-flowing fount of limpid knowledge before me.' "'Quite poetical,' commented the scarecrow, nodding his head approvingly. "'But one day—' continued the bug. A marvelous circumstance occurred, that altered my very existence and brought me to my present pinnacle of greatness.

The professor 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-bug is? No, yelled the scholars in chorus. Then, said the professor, I will get out my famous magnifying class and throw the insect upon a screen in a highly magnified condition that you may all study carefully its peculiar construction, and become acquainted with its habits and manner of life.

He then brought from a cupboard a most curious instrument, and before I could realize what had happened, I found myself thrown upon a screen in a highly magnified state, even as you now behold me, the students stood 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 me more plainly. "'Behold!' cried the professor in a loud voice. this 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 bosom, made a very polite bow. my action, being unexpected, must have startled them, for one of the little girls perched upon the window-sill gave a scream, and fell backwards out of 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 schoolroom, 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

frightened than hurt, off the ground, and the pupils clustered around him closely grouped, I calmly walked out of the schoolhouse, turned a corner, and escaped unnoticed to a grove of trees that stood near. "'Wonderful!' exclaimed the pumpkin-head admiringly. "'It was indeed,' agreed the Wogglebug. "'I have never ceased to congratulate myself for escaping while I was highly magnified, for even my excessive 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 woggle-bog 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-le-lawful. life of a tailor, tailor's having like cat's nine lives, as you probably know, the fellow was exceedingly grateful, for had he lost his night 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 Wogglebug stood up and turned himself around slowly, so that all might be examine his person. He must have been a good tailor, said the scarecrow somewhat enviously.

He was a good-hearted tailor at any rate, observed Nick Chopper. But where were you going when you met us? Tip asked the Wogglebug. Nowhere in particular, was the reply. Although it is my intention soon to visit the Emerald City, and arrange to give a course of lecture. 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.' The Wogglebug bowed with profound grace. "'It will give me great pleasure,' said he, "'to accept your kind invitation, for nowhere in the land of of ours 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 waggle-bug looking from one to another with unconcerned interest no more so than yourself, answered the scarecrow. Everything in life is unusual until you get accustomed to it.

What rare philosophy! exclaimed the Wogglebug admiringly. Yes, my brains are working well today, admitted the scarecrow, an accent of pride in his voice. Then, if you are sufficiently rusted and refreshed, let us bend our legs 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 pumpkin head is so stiff in his joints that he has to ride. How very unfortunate! cried the Wogglebug. Then he looked the party over carefully and said, if the pumpkin head 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 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 pumpkin head'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 pumpkin head sharply. "'Remember if you please that it is my leg you are abusing.' "'I can't forget it,' retorted the saw-horse, "'for it is quite as flimsy as the rest of your person.' "'Flimsy? Me? Flemsey?' cried Jack in a rage. "'How dare you call me flimsy?' "'Because you are built as absurdly as a jumping-jack,' sneered the heart. rolling his naughty eyes in a vicious manner even your head won't stay straight and you

never can tell whether you are looking backwards or forwards 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 other's faults and excellent suggestion said the wogglebug 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 pumpkin-head 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. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by El Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 14 Old Mambi indulges in witchcraft.

They soon discovered that the saw-horse limped, or his new leg was a trifle too long. So they were obliged to halt while the ten woodmen and 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 consider the accident most fortunate, for a horse is never of much use until he has been present.

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. Still it is a joke, declared the Wogglebug firmly. And a joke derived from a play-upon words is considered among educated people to be imminently proper. What does that mean?

inquired the pumpkinhead stupidly. It means, my dear friend, explained the Wogglebug, 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. Anybody can make a pun. Not so, rejoined the Wackle-Bugs, Stippley. It requires education of a high order. Are you educated young, sir? Not especially, admitted Tip.

Then you cannot judge the matter. I myself am thoroughly educated, and I say that puns display 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 woodman stopped short and looked reproachfully at the Wogglebug. At the same time the saw-horse loudly snorted his derision, and even the pumpkin-head 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-Bugged 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 arranged 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 society we are not very particular added the tin woodman and we are exceedingly kind-hearted but if your superior culture gets leaky again he did not complete the sentence but he twirled his gleaming acts so carelessly that the woggle-bug looked frightened and shrank away to a safe distance the others marched to a safe distance the others marching to the on in silence, and the highly magnified one, after a period of deep thought, said, in a humble voice, "'I will endeavor to restrain myself.'

"'That is all we can expect,' returned the scarecrow 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 too 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. See if you can call her, my dear Nick.'

So the tin woodman blew a shrill note upon a silver whistle that hung around his neck, and presently a tiny gray mouse popped from a nearby 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 anything to assist my old friends? You can indeed, replied the scarecrow eagerly. Let me, I entreat you, take a dozen of your subjects 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 unbuttoning 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 refuse 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 travelers could understand, for it was in the mouse language, but the field mice obeyed without hesitation, 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 securely, and then arose and thanked the queen for her kindness. "'One thing more you might do to serve us,' suggested the ten 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. "'I will do that gladly,' returned the queen. "'Are you ready?' The ten woodman looked at Tip. "'I'm rusted,' said the boy. "'Let us start.' Then they resumed their journey. the little gray 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 Mombie. Yet not one of the obstacles really existed. All were cleverly contrived deceptions, for when they came to the rest of the obstacles, but when they came to the banks of a rushing river that threatened to bar their way, the 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 gray field-mouse walked straight through it, and the others did the same, the wall melting into mist as they passed it. Afterward, when they 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. Mombie's last trick was the 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 too cried the saw-horse turning and prancing with agitation for my wood is so 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 ten woodman, having no fear of fire, averted the stampede by a few sensible words. Look at the feel-mouse! he shouted. The fire does not burn her in the least. In fact, it is no fire at all but only a deception. 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 Wogglebug, who was greatly amazed.

"'For it upsets all the natural laws that I heard Professor know it all teach in the schoolhouse.' "'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 seem 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. 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 end of chapter fourteen chapter fifteen of the marvellous land of us by el frankbaum this labor-box recording is in the public domain chapter fifteen the prisoners of the queen

approaching the gateway to 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 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 them, he advanced upon the gate, and the others followed him without hesitation. The girls who had expected no resistance whatever were terrified by the sweep of the glittering axe, and fled screaming into the city, so that our travelers passed the gates in safety, and marched down the green marble pavement of the wide street toward the royal palace at this rate we will soon have your majesty upon the throne again said the ten woodman laughing at his easy conquest of the guards thank you friend nick returned the scarecrow 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

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 oh i'm glad you have decided to come back and restore ardor for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the emerald city hmm said the scarecrow thoughtfully if it is such hard work as you say how did the women manage it so easily oh 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 long enough to cast curious looks upon our friends but immediately they would turn away with a laugh or a sneer and resume their chatter and 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 these 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. I will, returned his majesty. Unopposed, they reached the royal palace and marched up the royal steps, which had once been thickly crusted 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 magnificent 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 Ginger, 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 up. 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 to take it, answered Ginger, as she slowly ate another caramel. I have taken it, as you see, so just now I am the queen, and all who oppose me are guilty of 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 law 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 Wogglebug.

Ginger glared at the insect fiercely. Why don't you send her back to her mother where she belongs? asked Jack Pumpkinhead. Ginger frowned. Why don't you shut her up in a closet until she behaves herself and promises to be good? inquired Tip. Ginger's lip curled scornfully. Or give her a good shaking, asked 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. At this Queen Ginger 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 ten woodman's axe was snatched from his grasp by some person behind him, and he found himself disarmed and helpless. At the same time a shout of laughter rang in the ears of the devoted 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 knitting needles. The entire throne room seemed to be filled with 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 Ginger gaily, And this event only proves that I am 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 Mombie and must be restored to her keeping. The rest of 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— "'Hally magnified, if you please,' interrupted the insect. I think I will ask the cook to make a green turtle soup of you,' continued the queen, reflectively. The Wogglebug shuddered.

Or if that won't do, we might use you for a Hungarian goulage, stewed, and highly spiced, she added cruelly. The program 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 to 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 unbbed.

buttoned the front of his jacket. This action did not pass unnoticed by the crowd of girls clustering about him, but none of them suspected what he was doing until a tiny gray mouse leaped from his bosom to the floor and scampered away between the feet of the army of revolt. Another mouse quickly followed, then another and another, in rapid succession, and suddenly such a scream of terror went up from the army that it might easily have filled the stout's heart with consternation. The flight that ensued turned to a stampede and the stampede to a panic. For while these 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 crowding 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 frantically upon her tiptoes. Then a mouse ran up the cushions, and with a terrified leap, poor ginger 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, saved the

scarecrow and his friends, and the Wogglebug heaved a deep sigh of relief as he exclaimed, "'Ah, 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 entrances to the palace, said the scarecrow. Then we shall have time to think what is best to be done. So all except the Jack Pumpkinhead, who was still tied fast to the saw-horse, ran to the various entrances of the royal palace, and closed the heavy doors, bolting 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 council of war. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Marvellous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 16. The Scarecrow takes time to think. It seems to me, began the scarecrow, when all were again the scarecrow. assembled in the throne-room, that the girl Ginger is quite right in claiming to be queen,

and if she is right, then I am wrong, and we have no business to be occupying her palace. But you were the king until she came, said the Wogglebug, strutting up and down with his hands in his pockets. So it appears to me that she is the interloper instead of you. "'Eespecially 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 scarecrow. "'Have we really conquered her?' asked the scarecrow quietly. "'Look out the window and tell me what you see.'

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 scarecrow. 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 ginger is still the queen and we are her prisoners but i hope she cannot get at us exclaimed the pumpkin head with a shiver of fear oh she threatened to make torts of me you know don't worry said the tin woodman it cannot 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 sharks returned tip indignantly you ought to be glad that i made you at all then he added reflectively everything has to come to an end some time

but i beg to remind you broke in the wogglebug who had a distressed look in his bulging round eyes that this terrible queen ginger suggested making a good "'Moolash of me! Me! "'The only highly magnified and thoroughly educated Wogglebug in the wide, wide world?' "'I think it was a brilliant idea,' remarked the Scarecrow, provingly. "'Don't you imagine he would make a better soup?' asked the Tin Woodman, turning toward his friend. "'Well, perhaps,' acknowledged the scarecrow. The Wogglebug groaned. Oh, I can see in my mind's eye, said he mournfully,

The goats eating small pieces of my dear comrade, the ten woodman, While my soup is being cooked on a bonfire, Built of the saw-horse and jack-pumpkin head's body, Oh, and Queen Ginger, 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 Ginger out of this palace until she manages to break down the doors. And in the meantime, I am liable to starve to death, and so is the Wogglebug, announced Tip.

As for me, said the Woggle-Bug. I think that I shall 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 large and plump. How heartless, exclaimed the Tin Woodman, greatly shocked. Are we cannibals, let me ask, or are we faithful friends? I 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 careful 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 inquired the scarecrow as tip replaced the box carefully in his pocket it's some magical stuff old mamby got from a 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 live live that is sprinkled with it, but there's only about one dose left."

"'Then it is very precious,' said the tin woodman. "'Indeed it is,' agreed the scarecrow. "'It may prove our best means of escape from our difficulties. I believe I will think for a few minutes, so I will thank you, friend Tip, to get out your little knife and rip this heavy crown from my forehead.' Tip soon cut the stitches that had fastened the crown to the scarecrow's head, and the former monarch of the Emerald City removed it with a sigh of relief and hung it on a peg beside the throne.

Ah, that is my last memento of royalty, said he, and I'm glad to get rid of it. The former king of this city, who was named Pastoria, lost the crown to the wonderful wizard, who passed it on to me. Now the girl Ginger 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, continued the scarecrow lying back in the throne. The others remained as silent and still as possible, so as not to disturb 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 got up,

looked upon his friends with his most whimsical expression, and said, My brains work beautifully today. I am quite proud of them. Now listen. If we attempt to escape through the doors of the palace, we shall surely be captured, and as we can't escape through the ground, there was 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 fly through the air can carry us easily. So I suggest that my friend, the tin woodman, who is a skill 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 magical powder. Bravo, cried Nick Chopper. What splendid brains, murmured Jack.

Really quite clever. said the educated Wogglebug. I believe it can be done, declared Tip. That is, if the tin woodman is equal to making the thing. I'll do my best, said Nick cheerily, and as a matter of fact I do not often fail in what I attempt. But the thing will have to be built on the roof of the palace so it can rise comfortably into the air. To be sure, said the scarecrow. Then let us search through the palace, continued the tin woodman, and carry all the material

we can find to the roof where I will begin my work. First, however, said the pumpkin-head, I beg you will release me from this horse and make me another leg to walk with, for in my present condition I am of no use to myself or to anyone else. So the tin woodman knocked a mahoganye-centred table to pieces with his axe, and fitted one of the legs, which was beautifully carved, onto the body of Jack Pumpkinhead, who was very proud of the acquisition. It seemed 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 people 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 Wogglebug, as he assisted the tin woodman to set Jack upon his feet. How do you feel now? asked Tip, watching the pumpkin-head stump around to try his new leg. As good as new, answered Jack joyfully, and quite ready to assist him. 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 aerial machine. End of Chapter 16. Chapter 17 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by El Frank Baum. this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter seventeen the astonishing flight of the gump 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 one seemed 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 mantelpiece in the great hallway the head of a gump which was adorned with wide-spreading antlers 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 very saucy manner and there were whiskers upon 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 in a 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 from a huge palm tree that was the pride of all the inhabitants of the Emerald City. My dear Nick! exclaimed the scarecrow, seeing 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 penalty for chopping leaves from the royal palm tree is to be killed seven times, and afterward imprisoned 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 shook his head in remarked. 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 body but should the machine ever tip sideways we would all slide off and fall to the ground why not use two sofas asked tip there's another one just like this downstairs

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 pears. with the idea and really if you examine it critically the gump looks very well as a figurehead 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. So he fastened the palm leaves to the sofa, two on each side, said the Wogglebug with considerable admiration. 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 far? 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. Hmm, said the tin woodman. I do not see the use of a tail. We are not trying to copy a 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.

like 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, 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 woggle-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 I beg of you forget the head?' cried the woggle-bug excitedly. "'There's only a little of the powder left,' announced Tip, looking within the box, and it seems to me it is more important to bring the legs of the sofa to life than the head.

not so decided the scarecrow everything must have a head to direct it and since this creature 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 now said he keep silence while i worked the charm having heard old mumby 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 accompanied by the peculiar gestures of the hands. It was a grave and impressive ceremony. As he finished the incantation, the thing shuddered throughout his huge bulk. The gump gave the screeching 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 raised by the wings. The scarecrow, being light in weight, was caught up bodily and thrown through the air until Tip luckily seized him by one leg and held him fast. The Wogglebug lay flat upon the roof, and so escaped harm, and the tin woodman, whose weight of tin, anchored 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 legs 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. "'Hey, come back!' cried Tip in a frown. frightened voice, as he clung to the chimney with one hand and the scarecrow with the other, "'Come back at once, I command you!' It 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 around 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. End of Chapter 17. Chapter 18 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by El Frank Baum. This Libre-Vox recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 18. In the Jack Dawes' Nest. This, said the gump in a squeaky voice, not at all proportioned to the size of its great body. It's 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 tip with the gum's head on it and we have made you and brought you to life so that you may carry us through the air wherever we wish to go." "'Very good,' said the thing. "'As I am not a Gump, I cannot have a Gump's pride or independent spirit. So I may as well become your servant as anything else. My only satisfaction is that I do not seem to have a very strong constitution and am not likely to live long in a state of slavery.' "'Don't say that I be.

beg of you, cried the tin woodman, whose excellent heart was strongly affected by this sad speech. Are you not feeling well to-day? 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 fro in a pensive manner. Come, come, said the scarecrow kindly. Do try to be more cheerful and take life as you think. 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 look you over my masters none of you seems to be constructed much more artistically than i am appearances are deceitful said the waggle-bug earnestly i am both highly magnified and thoroughly educated indeed murmured the gump indifferently and my brotherly brains are considered remarkably rare specimens," added the scarecrow proudly.

"'How strange!' remarked the Gump. "'Although I am of ten,' said the Woodman. "'I own a heart altogether, the warmest and most admirable in the whole world.' "'I am delighted to hear it,' replied the Gump with a slight cough. "'My smile,' said Jack Pumpkinhead, Is worthy your best attention. It is always the same. Simper, Edom, explained the Wackle-Bug pompously,

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 exceptional 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 scarecrow.

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 our journey. Where shall we go? asked Tip, as he clambered to a seat on the sofas and assisted the pumpkin head to follow him. In the South Country rules a very delightful queen called Glenda 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 Wogglebug a boost, and then toppling the saw-horse into the rear end of the cushioned seats. I know Glenda the good, and believe me, 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. It flopped its four huge wings and rose slowly into the air, and then, while our little band of adventurers clung to the backs and sides of the sofas for support, the Gump turned toward the south and soared swiftly and majestically away. The scenic effect from this altitude is more than more than. commented the educated woggle-bog 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 to me. 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 them to life. You're expected to fly, explained the scarecrow, not to walk. We can walk ourselves, said the Wogglebug.

I begin to understand what is required of me, remarked the Gump. So I will do me. my best to 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 Wogglebug. In that event, your head would no longer be a pumpkin, for it would become a squash. have i not asked you to restrain those 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 Wogglebug with a startled look. Of course I am, answered the boy. An educated Wogglebug may be a new thing, but a wogglebug 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. The scarecrow, in shifting his seat, saw upon the cushions the pepper-box 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 really empty?' asked the scarecrow, looking 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 looking it over. The thing certainly has a false bottom.

Now I wonder what that is for. Can't you get it apart and find out? inquired 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 care not to spill the pills, and found several lines clearly written in red ink. Read it aloud, said the scarecrow. So Tip Red as follows. Dr. Nicky Dix 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 a 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 Mumby 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 Nicky Dick. He must be a powder. "'powerful sorcerer,' exclaimed the Tinwoodman. "'And since the powder proved a 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,' will the pumpkin. head. And this fact overwhelms me with 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. I do not see how anything could be better, protested poor Jack.

If you were liable to spoil at any time, you could understand my anxiety. For my part, said the tent. Ken Woodman, I sympathize 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 Wogglebug declared he was seasick, and tip was also pale and somewhat distressed. But the others clung to the backs of the sofa and did not seem to mind the motion as long as they were not tipped out. Darker and darker grew the night, and on and on sped the gump through the black heavens. The 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 palace of Glenda the Good? he asked. It's a long way to Glenda's Palace, answered the Tin 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 for we might alight in a river or on the top of a steeple and that would be a great disaster so they permitted the gump to fly on with regular flops of its great wings and waited patiently for morning then tip's fears were proven to be well founded far with the first streaks 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 are in the land of oz had slanting roofs that rose to a peak in the center odd-looking animals were also moving about on the open plains and the country was unfamiliar to both the tin woodman and the scarecrow who had formerly visited glinda the goods 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 desert and into the terrible outside world that dorothy told us about we must get back exclaimed the tin woodman earnestly we must get back as soon as possible turn around cried tip to the gump turn its quark

quickly as you can." "'If I do, I shall upset,' answered the gump. "'I'm not 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 stopping place that would answer their purpose. They flew over a village so big that the Wogglebug declared 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 they were very close to the mountaintops.

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 instead of coming to a stop upon 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 sofa 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 a monster nest, built by a colony of Jack Dawes in a hollow ledge of rock, so none of them, not even the pumpkin head, was injured by the fall. For Jack found his precious head resting 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 Wogglebug had bumped his round head against 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 nickel-plate, he had once regained his accustomed to cheerfulness and turned to address his comrades. Our journey 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 in depth.

Above them was a smooth cliff, unbroken, saved by 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 bewilderment. "'This is a worse prison than the palace,' saidly remarked the Wogglebug. "'I wish we had stayed there,' moaned Jack. I'm afraid the mountain air isn't good for pumpkins. 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 curious 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 wago-bug searching among the rubbish, for the jackdaw 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 Wacklebug presented it to him with a graceful speech after which the woodman hung it around his neck with much pride, rejoicing exceedingly when the big diamonds glittered in the sun's rays. But now they heard a great jack-and-yed. and flopping 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 pumpkin-head.

My time has come. And mine also, said the Wogglebug. Boy, jackdaws are the greatest enemies of my race. The others were not at all afraid. But the scarecrow 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 head, and scattered the shawl-buckled the sheep. straw over Tip and the Wogglebug completely covering their bodies. Hardly had this been accomplished when the flock of Jack Dawes reached them. Perceiving the intruders in their nest, the birds flew down upon them with screams of rage. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 Of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 19 Dr. Nicky Dick's Famous Wishing Pills The Ten 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 finding themselves thus opposed the birds fell upon the scarecrow's straw which lay at the center of the nest covering tip and the woggle-bug and jack's pumpkin head

and began tearing it away and flying off with it only to let it drop straw by straw into the great gulf beneath the scarecrow's head noting with dismay this wanton destruction of his interior cried out to the tin woodman to save him and that good friend responded with renewed energy his axe fairly flashed among the jackdaws and fortunately the gump began wildly waving the two wings remaining on the left side of its body the flutter of these great wings filled the jackdaws with terror and when the gump by its exertions freed itself from the peg of rock on which it hung and sank slopping into the nest, the alarm of 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 insect, 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 acts of the woodman. If I am saved, get me out of here, called Jack, whose head was still beneath the sofas, and Tip managed to roll the pumpkin out and place it upon 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 completely ruined, declared the scarecrow, as he noted their astonishment. for where is the straw that stuffs my body?' The awful question startled them all. They gazed around the nest with horror, for not a vestige of straw remained. The jackdaws had stolen it to the last wisp,

and flung it all into the chasm that yawned for hundreds of feet below 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 Wogglebug. "'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 bills, and five-dollar bills,

and tens, and twenties, and fifties. There are enough of them to stuff a dozen scarecrow's. Why not use the money? The tin woodman began to turn over the rubbish with the handle of his axe, and, sure enough, what they had first thought only worthless papers, were found to be bills of various denominations, 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 scarecrow'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 fifty-dollar bills and his body so closely filled with fifty-five one-hundredths and one thousand's, that he could scarcely button his jacket with comfort. "'You are now,' said the Wogglebug impressively, when the task had been completed. "'The most valuable member of our party. And as you are among faithful friends, there is little danger of your being spent.' "'Thank you,' returned the scarecrow gratefully. "'I feel like a new man. And I'll be a little.

although at first glance I might be mistaken for a safety deposit fault, I beg you to remember that my brains are still composed of the same old material, and these are the possessions that have always made me a person to be dependent upon in an emergency. Well, the emergency is here, observed Tip, and unless your brain helps us out of it, we shall be compelled to pass the remainder of our lives in this. nest. How about these wishing pills?" inquired 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 Wacklebug claims to be highly educated, so he ought easily to figure out how that can be done. "'It isn't a question of education,' returned the insect. It's merely a question of mathematics. I've seen the professor work out lots of sums on the blackboard, 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 pluses and minuses and equals, and so forth. But he never said anything so far as I can remember

about counting up to the odd number of seventeen by the even numbers of twos stop stop cried the pumpkin head you're making my headache and mine added the scarecrow your mathematics seems to me like a bottle of mixed pickles the more you fish for what you want the less the 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 oh mombie couldn't use x's and minuses for she never went to school why not start counting at half of one asked the son horse abruptly. Then anyone can count up the 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 Wogglebug, for twice one-half is one, And if you get to one, it is easy to count from one up to seventeen by twos." "'I wonder I didn't think of that myself,' said the pumpkinhead. "'I didn'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 the scarecrow. "'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 I 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 catch so small an object, and he held the box toward the boy, while Tip selected one of the pills and swallowed it. Count, cried the scarecrow. One half, one, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, counted tip, thirteen, thirteen, Fifteen, seventeen! Now wish, said the tin woodman anxiously. But just then the boy began to suffer such fearful pains that he became alarmed. The pill has poisoned me, he gasped.

Oh, oh, ouch, murder, fire! Oh! And here he rolled upon the bottom of the nest in such contortions that he frightened to them all. "'What can we do for you? Speak, I beg,' entreated the Tin Woodman, tears of sympathy running down his nickel cheeks. "'I don't know,' answered Tip. "'Oh, oh, 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 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 Wogglebug 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-bug if you have never swallowed it the pill cannot 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 retorted tip angrily 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'll take another pill i promise you-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 soakily to the back of the nest. Well, said the Wogglebug, It remains for me to save us in my most highly magnified and thoroughly educated manner, for I seem to be the only one able and willing to make a wish.

Let me have one of the piz. He swallowed it without hesitation, and the hall stood admiring his courage, while the insect counted seventeen by twos in the same way the 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 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. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by El Frank Baum. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. chapter twenty the scarecrow appeals to glinda the good hooray shouted the scarecrow gaily we can now leave this miserable jackdaw's nest whenever 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 jackdaw's 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 had fitted a ring to each finger of his padded gloves and not being content with it was a ring of his padded gloves

and not being content with that display he added one more to each thumb as he carefully chose these 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 ginger he said musingly for as nearly as i can make out she and her girls conquered me merely to rob my young city of its emeralds. The tin woodman was content with his diamond necklace and refused to accept any additional decorations, but Tip secured a fine gold watch which was attached to a heavy fob and placed in his pocket with much pride. He also penned several jeweled brooches to Jack Pumpkinhead's red waistcoat 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 lawn yet approvingly. But what is it for? None of them could answer that question, however. So the saw-horse decided it was some rare decoration and became very proud 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 personage seemed by no means gratified by the attention. Darkness soon fell upon them, and Tip and the Wogglebug went to sleep,

while the others sat down to wait patiently for the day. Next morning they had caused to congratulate themselves upon the useful condition of the gump, far with daylight. A great flock of Jack Dawes approached 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 cushion 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 flopping 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 of 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 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 Glenda 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 destination. But we dare not go to the Emerald City, and the gump is probably carrying us further in the wrong direction with every flop of its wings.

Then the Wogglebug must swallow another pill,' said Timp. 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, threw out every inch of the 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 jackdaw's nest said the scarecrow at length it is a great misfortune the tin woodman declared but we are no worse off than before we discovered the wishing pills we're 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 I 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 of his pumpkin head to risk it 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 ten woodmen recognized the roads and buildings they passed and altered slightly the flight of 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 it left it came to rest within the beautiful gardens of Glenda, 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 Ginger's army of revolt, although they were like wise girls. For Glenda'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 Glenda's private bodyguard, recognized the scarecrow and the tin woodman at once, and greeted them with respectful salutations. Good day, said the scarecrow, gallantly removing his hat, while the woodman gave a soldierly salute. We have come to request an audience with your fair ruler.

Glenda is now within her palace awaiting you, returned the captain. for she saw you coming long before you arrived. That is strange, said Tip wondering. Not at all, answered the scarecrow, for Glenda 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 are a pumpkinhead, retorted the scarecrow. But if the sorceress expects us, we must not keep her waiting. So they all clambered out of the sofas and followed 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 peculiar visitors entered and bowed before her, Both the scarecrow and the tin woodmen she knew and liked, but the awkward pumpkinhead and

highly magnified wobblebug 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 Glenda 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 impudent girls with knitting needles, "'who have enslaved all the men, "'robbed the streets and public buildings "'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 to escape their clutches our days would long since have ended i know it repeated glinda therefore i have come to beg your assistance resumed the scarecrow for i believe that you are always glad to succor the unfortunate and depressed that is true replied the sorceress slowly but the Emerald City is now ruled by General Ginger, who has caused herself to be proclaimed queen. What right have I to oppose her?' "'Why, she stole the throne from me,' said the scarecrow. "'And how came you to possess the throne?' asked Glenda. "'I got it from the Wizard of Oz, and by the choice of the people,' returned the scarecrow, uneasy as such questioning. "'And where did the Wizard get it?' she continued.

I am told he took it from Pastoria, the former king, said the scarecrow, becoming confused, under the intent look of the sorceress. Then, declared Glinda, the throne of the emerald city belongs neither to you nor to ginger, but to this pastoria, from whom the wizard usurped it. That is true, acknowledged the scarecrow 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 ginger 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 occupy a far more exalted position but where is the 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 discovered even by so experienced a sorceress as myself that is strange interrupted the woggle-bug pompously i have been informed that the wonderful wizard of oz was nothing more than a humbug nonsense exclaimed 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 ten Woodman, glaring indignantly at the Wogglebug. 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, Osma, so securely that no one can find her?" I—I give it up," replied the Wogglebug, 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,' resumed 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 every 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 Asma. In the meantime, pray amuse yourselves in my palace and command my servants as if they were your own. I will grant you another audience to-morrow. With this gracious speech, Glinda dismissed the identity. 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 Glenda, 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 O-Mombie, 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. But why? asked Glinda. Did he make three secret visits to old Mambi? Ah, why indeed, echoed the woggle-bug impressively. We know that the wizard taught the old woman many of his tricks of magic, continued Glenda, and this he would not have done had she not assisted him in some way.

So we may suspect with good reason that Mambi aided him to hide the girl, Osma, who was the real heir to the throne of the Emerald City, and 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 i have no doubt that mambi was mixed up in this wicked business but how does that knowledge help us we must find mambi replied glinda and force her to tell us where the girl is hidden mombie is now with queen ginger in the emerald city said tip it was she who threw so many obstacles in our pathway and made ginger threaten to destroy my friends and give me back into the old witch's power then decided glinda i will march with my army to the emerald city and take mombie 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 momby's black kettle and obstinate too i am quite obstinate myself returned the sorceress with a sweet smile so i do not fear momby in the least to-day i will make all necessary preparations and we will march upon the emerald city at daybreak to-morrow end of chapter twenty chapter twenty one of the marvelous land of oz by l frank balm this labor box recording is in the public domain chapter twenty one the tin woodman plucks a rose the army of glinda the good looked very grand and imposing when it assembled at daybreak before the palace gates the uniforms of the girls soldiers were pretty and of gay colors and their silver-tipped spears were bright and their silver-tipped spears were bright and glist 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 windows with silken curtains, but instead of wheels, which a coach-housed, has, the palanquin rested upon two long horizontal bars, which were born upon the shoulders of twelve serpents. The scarecrow and his comrades decided to ride in the gump, in order to keep up with the swift

march of the army. So as soon as Glenda had started and her soldiers had marched away to the inspiring strains of music played by the royal band, our friends climbed into the sofa and followed. The gump flew along slowly. at a point directly over the palanquin in which rode the sorceress. "'Be careful,' said the 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 Wogglebug. "'He can't get broke, so long as he is stuffed with money.' "'Didn't I ask you?' began Tip in a reproachful voice. "'You did,' said the Wogglebug. promptly. And I beg your pardon. I will really try to restrain myself." "'You 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 subject drop. The army moves 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, Glendezed. His forces silently surrounded the city and pitched their tents of scarlet silk upon the green sword. The tent of the sorceress was larger than the others, and was composed the 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. It was the amazement of Queen Ginger 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 before the gates. We are surely lost, cried Ginger 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 so, returned Ginger, 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 Glenda, and ask her why she has dared to invade my dominions and what are her demands. So the girl passed through the gates bearing 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 to me, old Mambi, to be my prisoner. If this is done, I will not molest her further. Now when this message was delivered to the queen, it filled her with dismay, May. From Mombie was her chief counsellor, and Ginger was terribly afraid of the old hag. But she sent from Mambi and told her what Glinda had said. I see trouble a hand for all of us, muttered the old witch. After glancing into a magic mirror she turned in her pocket, but we may even yet escape by deceiving this sorceress, clever as she thinks herself.

"'Don't you think it would be safer for me to deliver you into her hands?' asked Ginger, 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 Ginger. 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 Mambi called Jelya Jam 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 Mambi, while the old witch grew to resemble the girl so closely that it seemed impossible. anyone could guess the deception. Now, said old Mambi to the queen, let your soldiers deliver up this girl to Glenda. She will think she has the real Mambi 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, oh, Mambi,' said the guard, who believed she was speaking the truth, and then Ginger's soldiers returned within the city's gates. The sorceress quickly summoned the scarecrow and his friends to her

tent and began to question the supposed Mambi about the lost girl, Osma. 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 astonishment. "'Here is some foolish trickery,' said the sorceress, her eyes flashing with anger. "'This is not Mambi 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 Mambi far away in Ginger's palace, suddenly resumed her own crooked form and evil features. Why, it's Jellia Jam, cried the scarecrow, recognizing of the girl one of his old friends. It's our interpreter, said the pumpkin head, smiling pleasantly.

Then Jellia was forced to tell of the trick Mambi had played, and she also begged Glinda's protection, which the sorceress readily granted. But Glinda was now really angry, and sent word to Ginger that the fraud was discovered, and she must deliver up the real Mombie or suffer terrible consequences. Ginger was prepared for this message, for the witch well understood, 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 ginger promise to carry it out so the queen said to glinda's messenger tell your mistress that i cannot find mambi anywhere but that glinda is welcome to enter the 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 mambi by sundown the sorceress must promise to go away peaceably and bother us no more glinda agreed to these terms well knowing that mambi was somewhere within the city walls so ginger caused the gates to be thrown open and glinda marched in at the head of a company of soldiers followed by the scarecrow and the tin woodman while jack pumpkinhead rode astride the saw-horse and the educated highly magnified waggle-bug sauntered behind in a dignified manner Tip walked by the side of the sorceress, where Glinda had conceived a great liking for the boy. Of course, old Mombie had no intention of being found by Glenda. So while her enemies were marching 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 Mambi. 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 searching at the garden of the palace just then, and they turned with disappointment to obey Glendez'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 buttonhole 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 Mombie was thus carried out of the city and into Glinda's camp without any one having a suspicion that they had succeeded in their quest. domain. Chapter 22. The Transformation of Old Mombie The witch was at first frightened at finding herself captured by the enemy, but soon

she decided that she was exactly as safe in the tin woodman's buttonhole as growing under the bush. When no one knew the rose in Mombie to be one, and now that she was without the gates of the city, her chances of escape. all together from Glenda were much improved. But there is no hurry, thought Mambi. I will wait a while and enjoy the humiliation of this sorceress 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 Glenda summoned our friends to a consultation, Nick Chopper carried his pretty flower with him to the white silk tussom. tent. "'For some reason,' said Glenda, "'we have failed to find this cunning old Mambi, so I fear our expedition will prove a failure. And for that I am very sorry, because without our assistance little Osma will never be rescued and restored to her rightful position

as queen of the Emerald City.' "'Don't let us give up so easily,' said the pumpkinhead. "'Let us do something else.' something else must really be done replied glinda with the 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 would be wise for us to conquer the emerald city for princess osma 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 Ginger does." "'But I have promised not to molest Ginger,' objected Glinda. "'Suppose you all return with me to my kingdom, or empire, rather,' said the

ten woodman, politely 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, Glendez's eyes had been noting the rose in his buttonhole, and now she imagined she saw the big red leaves of the flower tremble slightly. This quickly aroused her suspicions, and in a moment more the sorceress had decided that the seeming rose was not nothing else than a transformation of old Mombie.

At the same instant Mombie knew she was discovered and must quickly plan and 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 Mombie could not find a crack big enough to creep through. The scarecrow and his friends were greatly surprised at Glenda's actions, for none of them

had noted the shadow, but the sorceress 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 momby that she quickly transformed herself from a shadow to a black ant in which shape she crawled along the ground seeking 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 fairly 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 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 asked the gump and its calm voice i 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 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 Gryphon 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, 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. O Mambi had thought herself very wise to choose the form of a griffin for its legs. were exceedingly 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 slackening their speed. Therefore, after an hour's hard-running, the griffin's breath began to fail, and it panted and gassed painfully, 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 into the sand, and in a few minutes the griffin fell forward, completely exhausted, and lay still upon the desert waist. Glinda came up a moment later, riding this 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 Gryphon, and so destroyed the magical power of Mombie's transformation. For the animal with one fierce shudder disappeared 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.

End of Chapter 22. Chapter 23 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by El Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 23. Princess Asma of Oz. You are my prisoner, and it is useless for you to struggle any longer, said Glenda in her soft, sweet voice. Lie still a moment, and rest yourself, and then I will carry you back to my tent. Why do you seek me?" asked Mombie, still scarcely 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 sorceress. "'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 intend 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 Glenda. Our friends were delighted to find that Mambi had finally been captured, and after a hurried consultation, it was decided 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 Mambi's neck, forced her prison. her 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, Mambi 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 Glendez's return 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 Mambi, "'I want you to tell us why the wonderful Wizard of Oz paid you three visits, and what became of the child, Osma, which so curiously disappeared.' The witch looked at Glinda defiantly, but said not a word. "'Answer me,' cried the sorceress. But still Mambi remained silent. Perhaps she doesn't know, remarked Jack. I beg you will keep quiet, said Tip.

You might spoil everything with your foolishness. Very well, dear father, returned the pumpkin head meekly. How glad I am to be a wogglebug! murmured the highly magnified insects softly. No one can expect wisdom to flow from a pumpkin. Well, said the scarecrow, what shall we do to make Mombie 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 Mambi and said, You will gain nothing, I assure you, by thus defying us, for I am determined to learn the truth about the girl Osma,

and unless you tell me all that you know, I will certainly put you to death. Oh, no, don't do that, exclaimed the Tinwoodman. It would be an awful thing to kill anyone. even old Mambi." "'But it is merely a threat,' returned Glinda. "'I shall not put Mambi to death because she will prefer to tell me the truth.' "'Oh, I see,' said the tin man, much relieved. "'Suppose I tell you all you wish to know,' said Mambi, speaking so suddenly that she startled

them all. "'What will you do with me then?' "'In that case,' replied Glenda. I shall merely ask you to drink a powerful draft, which will cause you to forget all the magic you have ever learned. Then I would become a helpless old woman. But you would still be alive, suggested the pumpkinhead consolingly. Do try to keep silent, said Tip nervously.

I'll try, responded Jack. But you will admit that it's a good thing to be alive. Especially if one happens to be thoroughly educated, added the Wogglebug, nodding approval. You may make your choice, Glinda said to O. Mambi, 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. Mambi cast an uneasy glance at the sorceress, and saw that she was in earnest and not to be trifled with. So she replied, slowly.

I 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 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 Mambi. That is no answer, said Glenda sternly. Tell me the truth. Well, returned Mambi with downcast eyes. He visited me to learn the way I make tea biscuits. Look up, commanded the sorceress. Mambi obeyed.

"'What is the color of my pearl?' demanded Glinda. "'Why, it is black,' replied the 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.' "'Mambi now saw how useless it was to try to deceive the sorceress. So she said, meanwhile, scowling at her turn. defeat. The wizard brought to me the girl, Asma, who was then no more than a baby and begged me to conceal the child? That is what I thought, declared Glenda 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 listened eagerly for the reply. I enchanted her, answered Mambi. In what way? I transformed her into—into—into what? demanded Glinda, as the witch hesitated. Into a boy, said Mambi at a low tone. Hey, boy! echoed every voice, and then, because they knew this.

this old woman had reared Tip from childhood, all eyes were turned to where the boy stood. Yes, said the old woman, nodding her head. That is the Princess Asma. The child brought to me by the wizard who stole her father's throne. That is 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 Osma. I'm not a girl.

Glenda smiled, and going to tip, she took his small, brown hand within her dainty white one. You are not a girl just now, said she gently, because Mamby 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 Ginger be the queen, exclaimed Tip, ready to cry. I want to stay a boy, and travel with the scarecrow and the tin woodman and the Wogglebug 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 be a 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 scarecrow, patting Tip affectionately upon the head. And they are equally good students, proclaimed the Wacklebug. 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 anymore. No, answered Tip. laughing in spite of his anxiety and i shall not be sorry to escape the relationship then he added hesitatingly as he turned to glinda i might try it for a while 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 unscrupulous witches use the art therefore i must ask mambi 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 now that the truth about princess ozma had been discovered momby did not care what became of tip but she feared glinda's anger and the boy generously promised to provide for momby in her old age if he became the ruler of the emerald city so the witch consented to effect the transformation and preparations for the events 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 and covered with rose-colored silk and from a golden railing above hung many folds of pink gossamer 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 gossamer 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 mambi 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 worn to keep quiet then while the others watched her curiously the hag chanted a rhythmical verse and 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 yoah in 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 turmaline. All down her back floated tresses of ruddy gold, with a slender jewel circlet confining them at the brow. Her robes of silken gauze floated around her like a cloud, and dainty sat in 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 Asma. The girl herself cast one look into Glinda's bright face, which glowed with pleasure and satisfaction, and then turned upon the 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. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 24 The Riches of Content

When the wonderful tidings reach the ears of Queen Ginger, how Mambi the witch had been captured, how she had confessed her crime to Glinda, and how the long-lost Princess Asma had been discovered in no lesser personage than the boy Tip. She wept real tears of grief and despair. To think—she moaned. That after having ruled his 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 making fudge in the palace kitchens, counseled Ginger to resist, she listened to their foolish prattle and sent a sharp defiance to Glenda the Good and the Princess Asma. The result was a declaration of war, and the very next day, Glenda marched upon the Emerald City with penance flying and bans playing, and a forest of shining spears sparkling brightly beneath the sun's rays.

When it came to the walls, this brave assemblage made a sudden halt, for Ginger had closed and barred every gateway, and the walls of the Emerald City were built it high and thick with many blocks of green marble. Finding her advance thus baffled, Glenda bent her brows in deep thought, while the Wogglebug said in his most positive tone, We must lay siege to the city and stork 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 bore a bright smile. You are right, she exclaimed, and certainly have reason to be proud of your brain. 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 Asma 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 sufficient for a guard. Now at a word from the princess, The queer thing they had called the Gump, flopped its palm-leaf wings and rose into the air, carrying the party of adventurers high above the walls. They hovered over the palace, and soon perceived Ginger reclining in a hammet 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 command, the Gump alighted safely in this very courtyard, and before Ginger had time to do more than scream, the captain and three soldiers leaped out and made the farmer queen a prisoner, locking strong chains upon both her wrists. This act really ended the war, for the army of revolt submitted as soon as they knew Ginger to be a captive, and the captain marched in safety. 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 Glenda's army marched into the city, and heralds proclaimed the conquest of the audacious ginger and the accession of the beautiful Queen Osba 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 all hailed the conquest of ginger with joy. Certain it is that, rushing one and all to the kitchens of their houses, the good wives prepared so delicious a feast for the weary men that harmony was immediately restored in every family. Osma's first act was to oblige the army of revolt to return to her every emerald or other Jim stolen from the public streets and buildings, and so great was the number of precious stones

picked them their settings by these vain girls, that every one of the royal jewelers worked steadily for more than a month to replace them in their settings. Meanwhile the army of revolt was disbanded, and the girls sent home to their mothers. On promise of good behavior, Ginger was likewise released. Asma 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 Glenda gave her good advice on all occasions, and the Wogglebug, who was appointed to the important host of public educator, was quite helpful to Asma when her royal duties grew perplexing.

The girl, in her gratitude to the gump for its services, offered the creature any reward it might name. 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 begged to be dispersed. So Asma ordered the gump taken apart. The antlered head was again hung over the mantelpiece 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 clothes-lines and ropes on the pegs from which

he had taken them on the eventful day when the thing was constructed. You may think that was the end of the gump, and so it was as a flying machine, but the head over the mantelpiece 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 Osma'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 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 Osma, the people said to one another in whispers, for he claimed to do many things he could not do, whereas our new queen does many things no one would ever expect her to accomplish. Jack Pumpkinhead remained with Asma 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 Wogglebug 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 Glenda's army had marched back home and peace was restored to the Emerald City, a tin woodman announced his intention to return to his own kingdom of the Winkies. "'It isn't a very big kingdom,' said he to Asma, but for that very reason it is easier to rule, and I have called myself an emperor because I 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, and then I shall be glad to have you pay me a visit. Thank you, replied Asma. Some day I may accept the invitation. But what is to become of the scarecrow? I 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 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 comfortably 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 cannot create, and that money cannot buy. Perhaps, after all, it is I who am the richest man in the world.

You are both rich, my friends, said Osma Chintly, and your riches are the only riches worth having, the riches of content. End of Chapter 24. End of The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. 4. Frank Baum.