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If I fall asleep, nothing can save you," said Sir Hokus in an agitated voice.

Hah, hoh, hum! Hah--!"

The Knight's eyes closed.

Don't do it, don't do it!" begged Dorothy, shaking him violently. "Can't we

run away?"

I've been trying for five centuries," wailed the Knight in a discouraged voice,

but I always fall asleep before I reach the gate, and they bring me back

here. They're rather fond of me in their slow way," he added apologetically.

"Couldn't you keep singing?" asked the Cowardly Lion anxiously, for the

prospect of a five-century stay in Pokes was more than he could bear.

"Couldn't we all sing?" suggested Dorothy. "Surely all three of us won't fall

asleep at once."

I'm not much of a singer," groaned the Cowardly Lion, beginning to tremble,

but I'm willing to do my share!"

"I like you," said Sir Hokus, going over and thumping the Cowardly Lion

approvingly on the back. "You ought to be knighted!"

The lion blinked his eyes, for Sir Hokus' iron fist bruised him severely, but

knowing it was kindly meant, he bore it bravely.

"I am henceforth a beknighted lion," he whispered to Dorothy while Sir

Hokus was straightening his armor. Next the Knight took down an iron

poker, which he handed to Dorothy.

"To wake us up with," he explained. "And now, Lady Dorothy, if you are

ready, we will start on the Quest for the honorable Scarecrow, and

remember, everybody sing--Sing for your life!"

The Royal Book of Oz