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We have nine," answered the Professor; "but they do not live with us, for

when they were tiny piglets the Wizard of Oz came here and offered to care

for them and to educate them. So we let him have our nine tiny piglets, for

he's a good Wizard and can be relied upon to keep his promises."

"I know the Nine Tiny Piglets," said the Tin Woodman.

"So do I," said the Scarecrow. "They still live in the Emerald City, and the

Wizard takes good care of them and teaches them to do all sorts of tricks."

Did they ever grow up?" inquired Mrs. Squealina Swyne, in an anxious

voice.

"No," answered the Scarecrow; "like all other children in the Land of Oz, they

will always remain children, and in the case of the tiny piglets that is a good

thing, because they would not be nearly so cute and cunning if they were

bigger."

But are they happy?" asked Mrs. Swyne.

Everyone in the Emerald City is happy," said the Tin Woodman. "They can't

help it."

Then the travelers said good-bye, and climbed the side of the basin that was

toward Mount Munch.

109

The Tin Woodman of Oz