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"Let us wait here," proposed Polychrome, peering out of the hole and then

quickly retreating. "The Rainbow won't appear until after the storm and I

can make you big again in a jiffy, before I join my sisters on our bow."

That's a good plan," said the Scarecrow approvingly. "It will save me from

getting soaked and soggy."

It will save me from rusting," said the Tin Soldier.

It will enable me to remain highly polished," said the Tin Woodman.

Oh, as for that, I myself prefer not to get my pretty clothes wet," laughed

the Rainbow's daughter.

"But while we wait I will bid you all adieu. I must also thank you for saving

me from that dreadful Giantess, Mrs. Yoop. You have been good and patient

comrades and I have enjoyed our adventures together, but I am never so

happy as when on my dear Rainbow."

Will your father scold you for getting left on the earth?" asked Woot.

I suppose so," said Polychrome gaily; "I'm always getting scolded for my

mad pranks, as they are called. My sisters are so sweet and lovely and

proper that they never dance off our Rainbow, and so they never have any

adventures. Adventures to me are good fun, only I never like to stay too long

on earth, because I really don't belong here. I shall tell my Father the

Rainbow that I'll try not to be so careless again, and he will forgive me

because in our sky mansions there is always joy and happiness."

They were indeed sorry to part with their dainty and beautiful companion

and assured her of their devotion if they ever chanced to meet again. She

shook hands with the Scarecrow and the Tin Men and kissed Woot the

Wanderer lightly upon his forehead.

And then the rain suddenly ceased, and as the tiny people left the burrow of

the Blue Rabbit, a glorious big Rainbow appeared in the sky and the end of

its arch slowly descended and touched the ground just where they stood.

Woot was so busy watching a score of lovely maidens--sisters of Polychrome-

-who were leaning over the edge of the bow, and another score who danced

gaily amid the radiance of the splendid hues, that he did not notice he was

growing big again. But now Polychrome joined her sisters on the Rainbow

and the huge arch lifted and slowly melted away as the sun burst from the

clouds and sent its own white beams dancing over the meadows.

121

The Tin Woodman of Oz