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Well," said the Tin Soldier, "if my old head would have treated me as coldly

and in so unfriendly a manner as your old head has treated you, friend

Chopper, I'm glad I could not find it."

"Yes; I'm rather surprised at my head, myself," replied the Tin Woodman,

thoughtfully. "I thought I had a more pleasant disposition when I was made

of meat."

But just then old Ku-Klip the Tinsmith arrived, and he seemed surprised to

find so many visitors. Ku-Klip was a stout man and a short man. He had his

sleeves rolled above his elbows, showing muscular arms, and he wore a

leathern apron that covered all the front of him, and was so long that Woot

was surprised he didn't step on it and trip whenever he walked. And Ku-Klip

had a gray beard that was almost as long as his apron, and his head was

bald on top and his ears stuck out from his head like two fans. Over his

eyes, which were bright and twinkling, he wore big spectacles. It was easy to

see that the tinsmith was a kind hearted man, as well as a merry and

agreeable one. "Oh-ho!" he cried in a joyous bass voice; "here are both my

tin men come to visit me, and they and their friends are welcome indeed. I'm

very proud of you two characters, I assure you, for you are so perfect that

you are proof that I'm a good workman. Sit down. Sit down, all of you--if you

can find anything to sit on--and tell me why you are here."

So they found seats and told him all of their adventures that they thought

he would like to know. Ku-Klip was glad to learn that Nick Chopper, the Tin

Woodman, was now Emperor of the Winkies and a friend of Ozma of Oz, and

the tinsmith was also interested in the Scarecrow and Polychrome.

He turned the straw man around, examining him curiously, and patted him

on all sides, and then said:

"You are certainly wonderful, but I think you would be more durable and

steady on your legs if you were made of tin. Would you like me to--"

No, indeed!" interrupted the Scarecrow hastily; "I like myself better as I

am."

But to Polychrome the tinsmith said:

Nothing could improve you, my dear, for you are the most beautiful maiden

I have ever seen. It is pure happiness just to look at you."

That is praise, indeed, from so skillful a workman," returned the Rainbow's

Daughter, laughing and dancing in and out the room.

The Tin Woodman of Oz