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"I don't care a kinkajou if I am the Emperor, I'm going to talk to whom I
please!" he exclaimed on the second night, and shaking his glove at a bronze
statue, he threw the Book of Ceremonies into the fountain. The next
morning, therefore, he ascended the throne with great firmness.
Immediately, the courtiers prostrated themselves, and the Scarecrow's arms
and legs blew about wildly.
"
Stand up at once," puffed the Scarecrow when he had regained his balance.
You are giving me nervous prostration. Chew, kindly issue an edict
"
forbidding prostrations. Anyone caught bowing in my presence again shall
lose--" the courtiers looked alarmed "--his pigtail!" finished the Scarecrow.
"And now, Chew, you will take my place, please. I am going for a walk with
Tappy Oko."
The Grand Chew Chew's mouth fell open with surprise, but seeing the
Scarecrow's determined expression, he dared not disobey, and he
immediately began making strange marks on a long, red parchment. Happy
Toko trembled as the Scarecrow Emperor took his arm, and the courtiers
stared at one another in dismay as the two walked quietly out into the
garden.
Nothing happened, however, and Tappy, regaining his composure, took out
a little silver flute and started a lively tune.
"I had to take matters into my own hands, Tappy," said the Scarecrow,
listening to the music with a pleased expression. "Are there any words to
that song?"
"Yes, illustrious and Supreme Sir!"
Two spoons went down a Por-ce-Lane,
To meet a China saucer,
A 'talking China in a way
To break a white man's jaw, Sir!
sang Happy, and finished by standing gravely on his head.
"
Your Majesty used to be very fond of this song," spluttered Happy. (It is
difficult to speak while upside down, and if you don't think so, try it!)
"Ah!" said the Scarecrow, beginning to feel more cheerful, "Tell me
something about myself and my family, Tappy Oko."
"Happy Toko, if it pleases your Supreme Amiability," corrected the little
silver man, somersaulting to a standstill beside the Scarecrow.
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