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Then the Tin Woodman stared hard at his friend the Scarecrow. But finally
he said in a serious tone of voice:
"I must admit that never before have I thought of such a thing as finding
Nimmie Amee and making her Empress of the Winkies. But it is surely not
too late, even now, to do this, for the girl must still be living in the
Munchkin Country. And, since this strange Wanderer has reminded me of
Nimmie Amee, I believe it is my duty to set out and find her. Surely it is not
the girl's fault that I no longer love her, and so, if I can make her happy, it is
proper that I should do so, and in this way reward her for her faithfulness."
"
"
"
"
"
Quite right, my friend!" agreed the Scarecrow.
Will you accompany me on this errand?" asked the Tin Emperor.
Of course," said the Scarecrow.
And will you take me along?" pleaded Woot the Wanderer in an eager voice.
To be sure," said the Tin Woodman, "if you care to join our party. It was you
who first told me it was my duty to find and marry Nimmie Amee, and I'd
like you to know that Nick Chopper, the Tin Emperor of the Winkies, is a
man who never shirks his duty, once it is pointed out to him."
"
It ought to be a pleasure, as well as a duty, if the girl is so beautiful," said
Woot, well pleased with the idea of the adventure.
"
"
Beautiful things may be admired, if not loved," asserted the Tin Man.
Flowers are beautiful, for instance, but we are not inclined to marry them.
Duty, on the contrary, is a bugle call to action, whether you are inclined to
act, or not. In this case, I obey the bugle call of duty."
"
When shall we start?" inquired the Scarecrow, who was always glad to
embark upon a new adventure. "I don't hear any bugle, but when do we go?"
"As soon as we can get ready," answered the Emperor. "I'll call my servants
at once and order them to make preparations for our journey."
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