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Oho!" he exclaimed; "I know the place now. This was probably the home of

Mr. Yoop, a terrible giant whom I have seen confined in a cage, a long way

from here. Therefore this castle is likely to be empty and we may use it in

any way we please."

"Yes, yes," said the Tin Emperor, nodding; "I also remember Mr. Yoop. But

how are we to get into his deserted castle? The latch of the door is so far

above our heads that none of us can reach it."

They considered this problem for a while, and then Woot said to the Tin

Man:

"If I stand upon your shoulders, I think I can unlatch the door."

"Climb up, then," was the reply, and when the boy was perched upon the tin

shoulders of Nick Chopper, he was just able to reach the latch and raise it.

At once the door swung open, its great hinges making a groaning sound as if

in protest, so Woot leaped down and followed his companions into a big,

bare hallway. Scarcely were the three inside, however, when they heard the

door slam shut behind them, and this astonished them because no one had

touched it. It had closed of its own accord, as if by magic. Moreover, the

latch was on the outside, and the thought occurred to each one of them that

they were now prisoners in this unknown castle.

However," mumbled the Scarecrow, "we are not to blame for what cannot be

helped; so let us push bravely ahead and see what may be seen."

It was quite dark in the hallway, now that the outside door was shut, so as

they stumbled along a stone passage they kept close together, not knowing

what danger was likely to befall them.

Suddenly a soft glow enveloped them. It grew brighter, until they could see

their surroundings distinctly. They had reached the end of the passage and

before them was another huge door. This noiselessly swung open before

them, without the help of anyone, and through the doorway they observed a

big chamber, the walls of which were lined with plates of pure gold, highly

polished.

This room was also lighted, although they could discover no lamps, and in

the center of it was a great table at which sat an immense woman. She was

clad in silver robes embroidered with gay floral designs, and wore over this

splendid raiment a short apron of elaborate lace-work. Such an apron was

no protection, and was not in keeping with the handsome gown, but the

The Tin Woodman of Oz