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bore the magic fruits. The Ork remembered very well where the lavender

berries grew and led his companions quickly to the spot.

Cap'n Bill gathered two berries and placed them carefully in his pocket. Then

they went around to the east side of the island and found the tree that bore

the dark purple berries.

I guess I'll take four of these," said the sailor-man, "so in case one doesn't

make us grow big we can eat another."

Better take six," advised the Ork. "It's well to be on the safe side, and I'm sure

these trees grow nowhere else in all the world."

So Cap'n Bill gathered six of the purple berries and with their precious fruit

they returned to the shed to big good-bye to Pessim. Perhaps they would not

have granted the surly little man this courtesy had they not wished to use him

to tie the sunbonnet around the Ork's neck.

When Pessim learned they were about to leave him he at first looked greatly

pleased, but he suddenly recollected that nothing ought to please him and so

began to grumble about being left alone.

We knew it wouldn't suit you," remarked Cap'n Bill. "It didn't suit you to have

us here, and it won't suit you to have us go away."

That is quite true," admitted Pessim. "I haven't been suited since I can

remember; so it doesn't matter to me in the least whether you go or stay."

He was interested in their experiment, however, and willingly agreed to assist,

although he prophesied they would fall out of the sunbonnet on their way and

be either drowned in the ocean or crushed upon some rocky shore. This

uncheerful prospect did not daunt Trot, but it made Cap'n Bill quite nervous.

I will eat my berry first," said Trot, as she placed her sunbonnet on the

ground, in such manner that they could get into it.

Then she ate the lavender berry and in a few seconds became so small that

Cap'n Bill picked her up gently with his thumb and one finger and placed her

in the middle of the sunbonnet. Then he placed beside her the six purple

berries--each one being about as big as the tiny Trot's head--and all

preparations being now made the old sailor ate his lavender berry and became

very small--wooden leg and all!

The Scarecrow of Oz