www.freeclassicebooks.com

That's just the point," said Professor Wogglebug. "Who were you? Who were

your ancestors? Where is your family? Where is your family tree? From what

did you descend?"

At each question, the Scarecrow looked more embarrassed. He repeated the

last one several times.

From what did I descend? From what did I descend? Why, from a bean

pole!" he cried.

This was perfectly true, for Dorothy, a little girl blown by a Kansas cyclone

to the Kingdom of Oz, had discovered the Scarecrow in a farmer's cornfield

and had lifted him down from his pole. Together they had made the journey

to the Emerald City, where the Wizard of Oz had fitted him out with a fine

set of brains. At one time, he had ruled Oz and was generally considered its

cleverest citizen.

Before he could reply further, the Patchwork Girl, who was simply

irrepressible, burst out:

"An ex-straw-ordinary man is he!

A bean pole for his family tree,

A Cornishman, upon my soul,

Descended from a tall, thin Pole!"

"Nonsense!" said Professor Wogglebug sharply, "Being stuffed with straw

may make him extraordinary, but it is quite plain that the Scarecrow was

nobody before he was himself. He has no ancestors, no family; only a bean

pole for a family tree, and is therefore entitled to the merest mention in the

Royal Book of Oz!"

How about my brains?" asked the Scarecrow in a hurt voice. "Aren't they

enough?"

"Brains have simply nothing to do with royalty!" Professor Wogglebug waved

his fountain pen firmly. "Now--"

"But see here, wasn't I ruler of Oz?" put in the Scarecrow anxiously.

"A Ruler but never a royalty!" snapped out the Professor. "Now, if you will all

answer my questions as I call your names, I'll get the necessary data and be

off."

He took out a small memorandum book.

"Your Highness," he bowed to Ozma, "need not bother. I have already

entered your name at the head of the list. Being descended as you are from

The Royal Book of Oz