www.freeclassicebooks.com

Chapter Twenty-Two - The Waterfall

Glinda's castle was a long way from the mountains, but the Scarecrow began

the journey cheerfully, since time was of no great importance in the Land of

Oz and he had recently made the trip and knew the way. It never mattered

much to Button-Bright where he was or what he was doing; the boy was

content in being alive and having good companions to share his wanderings.

As for Trot and Cap'n Bill, they now found themselves so comfortable and free

from danger, in this fine fairyland, and they were so awed and amazed by the

adventures they were encountering, that the journey to Glinda's castle was

more like a pleasure trip than a hardship, so many wonderful things were

there to see.

Button-Bright had been in Oz before, but never in this part of it, so the

Scarecrow was the only one who knew the paths and could lead them. They

had eaten a hearty breakfast, which they found already prepared for them and

awaiting them on the table when they arose from their refreshing sleep, so

they left the magic house in a contented mood and with hearts lighter and

more happy than they had known for many a day. As they marched along

through the fields, the sun shone brightly and the breeze was laden with

delicious fragrance, for it carried with it the breath of millions of wildflowers.

At noon, when they stopped to rest by the bank of a pretty river, Trot said with

a long-drawn breath that was much like a sigh:

I wish we'd brought with us some of the food that was left from our breakfast,

for I'm getting hungry again."

Scarcely had she spoken when a table rose up before them, as if from the

ground itself, and it was loaded with fruits and nuts and cakes and many

other good things to eat. The little girl's eyes opened wide at this display of

magic, and Cap'n Bill was not sure that the things were actually there and fit

to eat until he had taken them in his hand and tasted them. But the

Scarecrow said with a laugh:

Someone is looking after your welfare, that is certain, and from the looks of

this table I suspect my friend the Wizard has taken us in his charge. I've

known him to do things like this before, and if we are in the Wizard's care you

need not worry about your future."

The Scarecrow of Oz