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Every one of them ought to be exploded," declared Woot, who was angry

because his leg still hurt him.

"No," said the Tin Woodman, "that would not be just fair. They were quite

right to capture us, because we had no business to intrude here, having

been warned to keep away from Loonville. This is their country, not ours,

and since the poor things can't get out of the clearing, they can harm no one

save those who venture here out of curiosity, as we did."

Well said, my friend," agreed tile Scarecrow. "We really had no right to

disturb their peace and comfort; so let us go away."

They easily found the place where they had forced their way into the

enclosure, so the Tin Woodman pushed aside the underbrush and started

first along the path. The Scarecrow followed next and last came Woot, who

looked back and saw that the Loons were still clinging to their perches on

the trees and watching their former captives with frightened eyes.

"I guess they're glad to see the last of us," remarked the boy, and laughing at

the happy ending of the adventure, he followed his comrades along the path.

The Tin Woodman of Oz