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Chapter Twenty-One - Polychrome's Magic

On this morning, which ought to be the last of this important journey, our

friends started away as bright and cheery as could be, and Woot whistled a

merry tune so that Polychrome could dance to the music.

On reaching the top of the hill, the plain spread out before them in all its

beauty of blue grasses and wildflowers, and Mount Munch seemed much

nearer than it had the previous evening. They trudged on at a brisk pace,

and by noon the mountain was so close that they could admire its

appearance. Its slopes were partly clothed with pretty evergreens, and its

foot-hills were tufted with a slender waving bluegrass that had a tassel on

the end of every blade. And, for the first time, they perceived, near the foot of

the mountain, a charming house, not of great size but neatly painted and

with many flowers surrounding it and vines climbing over the doors and

windows.

It was toward this solitary house that our travelers now directed their steps,

thinking to inquire of the people who lived there where Nimmie Amee might

be found.

There were no paths, but the way was quite open and clear, and they were

drawing near to the dwelling when Woot the Wanderer, who was then in the

lead of the little party, halted with such an abrupt jerk that he stumbled

over backward and lay flat on his back in the meadow. The Scarecrow

stopped to look at the boy.

Why did you do that?" he asked in surprise.

Woot sat up and gazed around him in amazement.

I--I don't know!" he replied.

The two tin men, arm in arm, started to pass them when both halted and

tumbled, with a great clatter, into a heap beside Woot. Polychrome, laughing

at the absurd sight, came dancing up and she, also, came to a sudden stop,

but managed to save herself from falling.

Everyone of them was much astonished, and the Scarecrow said with a

puzzled look:

"I don't see anything."

"Nor I," said Woot; "but something hit me, just the same."

110

The Tin Woodman of Oz