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As you have doubtless noted," began the larger creature, "I am an A-B-Sea

Serpent. I am employed in the nursery of the Mer children to teach them

their letters. My friend, here, is a Rattlesnake, and it is his business to

amuse the Mer babies while the Mermaids are mer-marketing. Once a year,

we take a vacation, and proceeding from the sea depths up a strange river,

we came out upon this shore. Perhaps you, Sir, will be able to tell us where

we are?"

"You are in the Munchkin Country of the Land of Oz," explained the

Scarecrow politely. "It is a charming place for a vacation. I would show you

about myself if I were not bound on an important mission." Here the

Scarecrow sighed deeply.

"Have you a family?" he asked the A-B-Sea Serpent curiously.

"Yes, indeed," replied the monster, snapping its tape-measure tongue in and

out, "I have five great-grandmothers, twenty-one grandnieces, seven

brothers, and six sisters-in-law!"

"Ah!" murmured the Scarecrow, clasping his hands tragically, "How I envy

you. I have no one--no aunts--no ancestors--no family--no family tree but a

bean pole. I am, alas, a man without a past!" The Scarecrow looked so

dejected that the Rattlesnake thought he was going to cry.

"Oh, cheer up!" it begged in a distressed voice. "Think of your presence--

here--I give you permission to shake me!" The Scarecrow was so affected by

this kind offer that he cheered up immediately.

"No past but a presence--I'll remember that!" He swelled out his straw chest

complacently, and leaning over, stroked the Rattlesnake on the head.

Are you good at riddles?" asked the Rattlesnake timidly.

Well," answered the Scarecrow judiciously, "I have very good brains, given

me by the famous Wizard of Oz."

Then why is the A-B-Sea Serpent like a city?" asked the Rattlesnake

promptly.

The Scarecrow thought hard for several seconds.

"Because it is made up of blocks!" he roared triumphantly. "That's easy; now

it's my turn. Why is the A-B-Sea Serpent such a slow talker?"

Give it up!" said the Rattlesnake after shaking himself several times.

The Royal Book of Oz