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wistfully at the bean pole in the center of the hall. Every minute he was
feeling less and less like the Emperor of the Silver Island and more and more
like the plain Scarecrow of Oz.
"
Your Majesty seems out of spirits," said Happy Toko as he placed himself
and the huge watering can beside the Emperor's bench in the garden later
in the evening.
"
I wish I were," said the Scarecrow. "To have an Emperor's spirit wished on
you is no joke, my dear Tappy. It's a blinking bore!" At that moment, the
fireworks commenced. The garden, ablaze with many shaped silver lanterns,
looked more like Fairyland than ever. But each rocket made the Scarecrow
wince. Showers of stars and butterflies fell 'round his head, fiery dragons
leaped over the trees, and in all the Fourth of July celebrations you could
imagine there were never such marvelous fireworks as these. No wonder
Happy Toko, gazing in delight, forgot his promises to his Royal Master.
Soon the Scarecrow's fears were realized, and his straw stuffing began to
smoke.
"Put me out! Put me out!" cried the Scarecrow, as a shower of sparks settled
in his lap. The royal band made such a din and the courtiers such a clatter
that Happy did not hear.
All of the Silver Islanders were intent on the display, and they forgot all
about their unhappy and smoking Emperor.
"
Help! Water! Water! Fire!" screamed the Scarecrow, jumping off his throne
and knocking Happy head over heels. Thus brought to his senses, Happy
hurriedly seized the watering can and sprinkled its contents on the smoking
Emperor.
"Am I out?" gasped the Emperor anxiously. "A fine way to celebrate a victory,
lighting me up like a Roman candle!"
"Yes, dear Master," said the repentant Happy, helping the dripping
Scarecrow to his feet, "it only scorched your royal robe. And it's all over,
anyway. Let us go in."
The dripping Emperor was quite ready to follow his Imperial Punster's
advice.
"Now that I am put out, let us by all means go in," said the Scarecrow
gloomily, and the two slipped off without anyone noticing their departure.
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