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CHAPTER 9 - "SAVE US WITH YOUR MAGIC, EXALTED ONE!"

For several minutes, the Scarecrow sat perfectly still while the company

stood shaking in their shoes. Then he asked loudly, "Where is the Imperial

Army?"

"It has retired to the caves at the end of the Island," quavered the Grand

Chew Chew.

"I thought as much," said the Scarecrow. "But never mind, there are quite a

lot of us."

Us!" spluttered a tall Silverman indignantly. "We are not common soldiers."

No, very uncommon ones, but you have hard heads and long nails, and I

dare say will manage somehow. Come on, let's go. Chew, you may take the

lead."

Go!" shrieked the Grand Chew Chew. "Us?" The Courtiers began backing

away in alarm. "Where--er--what--are your Highness' plans?"

"Why, just to conquer the King of the Golden Islands and send him back

home," said the Scarecrow, smiling engagingly. "That's what you wanted,

isn't it?"

But it is not honorable for noblemen to fight. It--"

"Oh, of course, if you prefer burning--" The Scarecrow rose unsteadily and

started for the garden gates. Not a person stirred. The Scarecrow looked

back, and his reproachful face was too much for Happy Toko.

"I'll come, exalted and radiant Scarecrowcus! Wait, honorable and valiant

Sir!"

"Bring a watering can, if you love me," called the Scarecrow over his

shoulder, and Happy, snatching one from a frightened gardener, dashed

after his Master.

"If things get too hot, I'd like to know that you can put me out," said the

Scarecrow, his voice quivering with emotion. "You shall be rewarded for this,

my brave Tappy."

Happy did not answer, for his teeth were chattering so he could not speak.

The Royal Book of Oz