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"Your Highness knows the history of Oz by heart," said Happy admiringly as

the Scarecrow paused.

"I couldn't do that," said the Scarecrow gently, "for you see, Happy, I have no

heart."

"Then I wish we all had none!" exclaimed Happy Toko, rolling up his eyes.

The Scarecrow looked embarrassed, so the little Punster threw back his

head and sang a song he had been making up while the Scarecrow had been

telling his stories:

The Scarecrow was standing alone in a field,

Inviting the crows to

keep off, When the straw in his chest began tickling his vest

And he

couldn't resist a loud cough.

The noise that was heard so surprised ev'ry bird,

that the flock flew

away in a fright,

But the Scarecrow looked pleased, and he said "If I'd

sneezed It wouldn't have been so polite."

Ho!" roared the Scarecrow, "You're almost as good at making verses as

Scraps, Write that down for me, Tappy. I'd like to show it to her."

Hush!" whispered Happy, holding up his finger warningly. The Scarecrow

turned so suddenly that the silver pigtail pinned to the back of his hat

wound itself tightly around his neck. No wonder! On the other side of the

hedge the three Princes were walking up and down, conversing in indignant

whispers.

What a horrible shape our honorable Papa has reappeared in. I hear that it

never wears out," muttered one. "He may continue just as he is for years

and years. How am I ever to succeed him, I'd like to know. Why, he may

outlive us all!"

We might throw him into the silver river," said the second hopefully.

"No use," choked the third. "I was just talking to the Imperial Soothsayer,

and he tells me that no one from this miserable Kingdom of Oz can be

destroyed. But I have a plan. Incline your Royal ears-- listen." The voices

dropped to such a low whisper that neither Happy nor the Scarecrow could

hear one word.

Treason!" spluttered Happy, making ready to spring through the hedge, but

the Scarecrow seized him by the arm and drew him away.

The Royal Book of Oz