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How did it happen, do you suppose?" inquired the Scarecrow, lying where

he had fallen.

We have met with no enemy," answered Poly-chrome, "so it must be that

this part of the country has the magic quality of making people invisible--

even fairies falling under the charm. We can see the grass, and the flowers,

and the stretch of plain before us, and we can still see Mount Munch in the

distance; but we cannot see ourselves or one another."

Well, what are we to do about it?" demanded Woot.

I think this magic affects only a small part of the plain," replied Polychrome;

perhaps there is only a streak of the country where an enchantment makes

people become invisible. So, if we get together and hold hands, we can travel

toward Mount Munch until the enchanted streak is passed."

"All right," said Woot, jumping up, "give me your hand, Polychrome. Where

are you?"

Here," she answered. "Whistle, Woot, and keep whistling until I come to

you."

So Woot whistled, and presently Polychrome found him and grasped his

hand.

"Someone must help me up," said the Scarecrow, lying near them; so they

found the straw man and sat him upon his feet, after which he held fast to

Polychrome's other hand.

Nick Chopper and the Tin Soldier had managed to scramble up without

assistance, but it was awkward for them and the Tin Woodman said:

I don't seem to stand straight, somehow. But my joints all work, so I guess I

can walk."

Guided by his voice, they reached his side, where Woot grasped his tin

fingers so they might keep together.

The Tin Soldier was standing near by and the Scarecrow soon touched him

and took hold of his arm.

I hope you're not wobbly," said the straw man, "for if two of us walk

unsteadily we will be sure to fall."

"I'm not wobbly," the Tin Soldier assured him, "but I'm certain that one of

my legs is shorter than the other. I can't see it, to tell what's gone wrong,

The Tin Woodman of Oz