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They all looked triumphantly at the Imperial Punster, but Happy Toko,
snatching off the royal hat, burst into tears.
"Don't leave me behind, amiable Master!" he sobbed disconsolately. "Oh,
how I shall miss you!"
"
But don't you see," coaxed Dorothy, "the Scarecrow needs you here more
than anyplace, and think of all the fine clothes you will have and how rich
you will be!"
"And Tappy, my dear boy," said the Scarecrow, putting his arm around
Happy Toko, "you might not like Oz any more than I like Silver Island. Then
think--if everything goes well, you can visit me--just as one Emperor visits
another!"
"And you won't forget me?" sniffed Happy, beginning to like the idea of being
Emperor.
"Never!" cried the Scarecrow with an impressive wave.
"And if anything goes wrong, will you help me out?" questioned Happy
uncertainly.
"
We'll look in the Magic Picture of Oz every month," declared Dorothy, "and if
you need us we'll surely find some way to help you."
"An' you ever require a trusty sword, Odds Bodikins!" exclaimed Sir Hokus,
pressing Tappy's hand, "I'm your man!"
"All right, dear Master!" Happy slowly picked up the Imperial hat and set it
sideways on his head. "I'll do my best."
"
I don't doubt it at all," said the Doubtful Dromedary to everyone's surprise.
Three cheers for the Emperor! Long live the Emperor of the Silver Island,"
"
rumbled the Cowardly Lion, and everybody from Oz, even the camel and
dromedary, fell upon their knees before Happy Toko.
"You may have my bride, too, Tappy," chuckled the Scarecrow with a wink at
Dorothy. "And Tappy," he asked, sobering suddenly, "will you have my
grandsons brought up like real children? Just as soon as I return, I shall
send them all the Books of Oz."
Happy bowed, too confused and excited for speech.
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