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CHAPTER 14 - SONS AND GRANDSONS GREET THE SCARECROW
Although the Scarecrow had been on Silver Island only a few days, he had
already instituted many reforms, and thanks to his cleverness the people
were more prosperous than ever before. Cheers greeted him wherever he
went, and even old Chew Chew was more agreeable and no longer made
bitter remarks to Happy Toko. The Scarecrow himself, however, had four
new wrinkles and was exceedingly melancholy. He missed the carefree life in
Oz, and every minute that he was not ruling the island he was thinking
about his old home and dear, jolly comrades in the Emerald City.
"I almost hope they will look in the Magic Picture and wish me back again,"
he mused pensively. "But it is my duty to stay here. I have a family to
support." So he resolved to put the best face he could on the matter, and
Happy Toko did his utmost to cheer up his royal master. The second
morning after the great victory, he came running into the silver throne room
in a great state of excitement.
"
The honorable Offspring have arriven!" announced Happy, turning a
somersault. "Come, ancient and amiable Sir, and gaze upon your sons and
grandsons!" The Scarecrow sprang joyously from his silver throne, upsetting
a bowl of silver fish and three silver vases. At last a real family! Ever since
his arrival, the three Princes and their fifteen little sons had been cruising
on the royal pleasure barge, so that the Scarecrow had not caught a glimpse
of them.
"
This is the happiest moment of my life!" he exclaimed, clasping his yellow
gloves and watching the door intently. Happy looked a little uneasy, for he
knew the three Princes to be exceedingly haughty and overbearing, but he
said nothing, and next minute the Scarecrow's family stepped solemnly into
the royal presence.
"Children!" cried the Scarecrow, and with his usual impetuousness rushed
forward and flung his arms around the first richly clad Prince.
"
Take care! Take care, ancient and honorable papa!" cried the young
Silverman, backing away. "Such excitement is not good for one of your
advanced years." He drew himself away firmly and, adjusting a huge pair of
silver spectacles, regarded the Scarecrow attentively. "Ah, how you have
changed!"
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