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28. How They Drank at the Forbidden Fountain
The Scarecrow had no need to sleep; neither had the Tin Woodman or
Tiktok or Jack Pumpkinhead. So they all wandered out into the palace
grounds and stood beside the sparkling water of the Forbidden Fountain
until daybreak. During this time they indulged in occasional
conversation.
"
Nothing could make me forget what I know," remarked the Scarecrow,
gazing into the fountain, "for I cannot drink the Water of Oblivion or
water of any kind. And I am glad that this is so, for I consider my
wisdom unexcelled."
"
You are cer-tain-ly ve-ry wise," agreed Tiktok. "For my part, I can on-ly
think by ma-chin-er-y, so I do not pre-tend to know as much as you do."
"
My tin brains are very bright, but that is all I claim for them," said Nick
Chopper, modestly. "Yet I do not aspire to being very wise, for I have
noticed that the happiest people are those who do not let their brains
oppress them."
"
Mine never worry me," Jack Pumpkinhead acknowledged. "There are
many seeds of thought in my head, but they do not sprout easily. I am
glad that it is so, for if I occupied my days in thinking I should have no
time for anything else."
In this cheery mood they passed the hours until the first golden streaks
of dawn appeared in the sky. Then Ozma joined them, as fresh and
lovely as ever and robed in one of her prettiest gowns.
"
Our enemies have not yet arrived," said the Scarecrow, after greeting
affectionately the sweet and girlish Ruler.
"
They will soon be here," she said, "for I have just glanced at my Magic
Picture, and have seen them coughing and choking with the dust in the
tunnel."
"
"
Oh, is there dust in the tunnel?" asked the Tin Woodman.
Yes; Ozma placed it there by means of the Magic Belt," explained the
Scarecrow, with one of his broad smiles.
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