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"
If you are hollow, they might use you in a canning factory," suggested
Uncle Henry. "But I can't see the use of your working for a living. You
never eat or sleep or need a new suit of clothes."
"
I was not thinking of myself," replied the Emperor, with dignity. "I
merely wondered if I could not help to support Dorothy and Ozma."
As they indulged in these sad plans for the future they journeyed in sight
of the Scarecrow's new mansion, and even though filled with care and
worry over the impending fate of Oz, Dorothy couldn't help a feeling of
wonder at the sight she saw.
The Scarecrow's new house was shaped like an immense ear of corn.
The rows of kernels were made of solid gold, and the green upon which
the ear stood upright was a mass of sparkling emeralds. Upon the very
top of the structure was perched a figure representing the Scarecrow
himself, and upon his extended arms, as well as upon his head, were
several crows carved out of ebony and having ruby eyes. You may
imagine how big this ear of corn was when I tell you that a single gold
kernel formed a window, swinging outward upon hinges, while a row of
four kernels opened to make the front entrance. Inside there were five
stories, each story being a single room.
The gardens around the mansion consisted of cornfields, and Dorothy
acknowledged that the place was in all respects a very appropriate home
for her good friend the Scarecrow.
"
He would have been very happy here, I'm sure," she said, "if only the
Nome King had left us alone. But if Oz is destroyed of course this place
will be destroyed too."
"
Yes," replied the Tin Woodman, "and also my beautiful tin castle, that
has been my joy and pride."
"
Jack Pumpkinhead's house will go too," remarked the Wizard, "as well
as Professor Wogglebug's Athletic College, and Ozma's royal palace, and
all our other handsome buildings."
"
Yes, Oz will indeed become a desert when the Nome King gets through
with it," sighed Omby Amby.
The Scarecrow came out to meet them and gave them all a hearty
welcome.
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