| 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 |
| 1 | 33 | 66 | 99 | 132 |
|
www.freeclassicebooks.com
"Let the ceremony proceed!" called the eldest Prince harshly, before the
Scarecrow had finished his introductions. "Let the proper body of his Serene
Highness be immediately restored. Way for the Grand Gheewizard! Way for
the Grand Gheewizard!"
"One moment," put in the Scarecrow in a dignified voice. "I have something
to say." The Silver Islanders clapped loudly at this, and Dorothy felt a bit
reassured. Perhaps they would listen to reason after all and let the
Scarecrow depart peacefully. How they were ever to escape if they didn't, the
little girl could not see.
"
My dear children," began the Scarecrow in his jolly voice, "nothing could
have been more wonderful than my return to this lovely island, but in the
years I have been away from you I have changed very much, and I find I no
longer care for being Emperor. So with your kind permission, I will keep the
excellent body I now have and will abdicate in favor of my eldest son and
return with my friends to Oz. For in Oz I really belong."
A dead silence followed the Scarecrow's speech--then perfect pandemonium.
"No! No! You are a good Emperor! We will not let you go!" shrieked the
people. "You are our honorable little Father. The Prince shall be Emperor
after you have peacefully returned to your ancestors, but not now. No! No!
We will not have it!"
"I feared this!" quavered Happy Toko.
"
It is not the Emperor, but the Scarecrow who speaks!" shrilled the Grand
Chew Chew craftily. "He knows not what he says. But after the
transformation--Ah, you shall see!"
The company calmed down at this. "Let the ceremony proceed! Way for the
Grand Gheewizard!" they cried exultantly.
"Chew Chew," wailed the Scarecrow, "you're off the track!" But it was too
late. No one would listen.
"I'll have to think of something else," muttered the Scarecrow, sinking
dejectedly back on his throne.
"
"
Oh!" shuddered Dorothy, clutching the Scarecrow, "Here he comes!"
Way for the Grand Gheewizard! Way for the Grand Gheewizard!"
112
Page
Quick Jump
|