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So they followed that plan and emptied all the old, wet straw out of the

Scarecrow's body. Then the sailor-man wrung out the clothes and laid them in

the sun till they were quite dry. Trot took charge of the head and pressed the

wrinkles out of the face as it dried, so that after a while the Scarecrow's

expression became natural again, and as jolly as before.

This work consumed some time, but when it was completed they again started

upon their journey, Button-Bright carrying the boots and hat, Trot the bundle

of clothes, and Cap'n Bill the head. The Scarecrow, having regained his

composure and being now in a good humor, despite his recent mishaps,

beguiled their way with stories of the Land of Oz.

It was not until the next morning, however, that they found straw with which

to restuff the Scarecrow. That evening they came to the same little house they

had slept in before, only now it was magically transferred to a new place. The

same bountiful supper as before was found smoking hot upon the table and

the same cosy beds were ready for them to sleep in.

They rose early and after breakfast went out of doors, and there, lying just

beside the house, was a heap of clean, crisp straw. Ozma had noticed the

Scarecrow's accident in her Magic Picture and had notified the Wizard to

provide the straw, for she knew the adventurers were not likely to find straw

in the country through which they were now traveling.

They lost no time in stuffing the Scarecrow anew, and he was greatly delighted

at being able to walk around again and to assume the leadership of the little

party.

Really," said Trot, "I think you're better than you were before, for you are

fresh and sweet all through and rustle beautifully when you move."

Thank you, my dear," he replied gratefully. "I always feel like a new man

when I'm freshly stuffed. No one likes to get musty, you know, and even good

straw may be spoiled by age."

It was water that spoiled you, the last time," remarked Button-Bright, "which

proves that too much bathing is as bad as too little. But, after all, Scarecrow,

water is not as dangerous for you as fire."

All things are good in moderation," declared the Scarecrow. "But now, let us

hurry on, or we shall not reach Glinda's palace by nightfall."

The Scarecrow of Oz