When all twelve mice had thus concealed themselves, the Scarecrow buttoned his Jacket securely and then arose and thanked the Queen for her kindness

" more do us," suggested the Tin Woodman; " is to run ahead and show us the way Emerald City For some enemy is evidently trying us from reaching it "

" gladly," returned the Queen " ready ? "

The Tin Woodman looked at Tip

"I'm rested," said the boy " start "

Then they resumed their journey, the little grey Queen Field Mice running swiftly ahead and then pausing until the travelers drew near, when away dart again

Without this unerring guide the Scarecrow comrades might never have gained the Emerald City; for many were the obstacles thrown in their way arts of old Mombi Yet not obstacles really existed -- all were cleverly contrived deceptions For came banks of rushing river that threatened to bar their way the

165 little Queen kept steadily on, passing seeming flood in safety; travelers followed her without encountering single drop of water

Again, high wall of granite towered high above their heads and opposed their advance But the grey Field Mouse walked straight through it, others did the same, the wall melting into mist passed it

Afterward, had stopped for moment to allow Tip to rest, they saw forty roads branching off from their feet in forty different directions; and soon these forty roads began whirling around like mighty wheel, first in one direction and then other, completely bewildering their vision

But the Queen called her and darted off in straight line; and had gone few paces the whirling pathways vanished and were seen no more

Mombi's last trick most fearful of all She sent sheet of crackling flame rushing over the meadow to consume them; and first time the Scarecrow became afraid and turned to fly

" fire reaches me gone in no time ! " said he, trembling until his straw rattled "It's the most dangerous thing I ever encountered "

"I'm off, too ! " cried the Saw-Horse, turning and

166 prancing with agitation; " wood is so dry it would burn like kindlings "

"Is fire dangerous to pumpkins ? " asked Jack, fearfully

"You'll be baked like tart -- and so will I ! "

Line-Art Drawing

answered the Woggle-Bug, getting down on all fours so run the faster

But the Tin Woodman, having no fear of fire, averted the stampede by few sensible words

"Look Field Mouse ! " he shouted "The fire burn her least , no fire at all, but only deception "

167

Indeed, to watch the little Queen march calmly advancing flames restored courage to every member party, followed her without being even scorched

" surely most extraordinary adventure," said the Woggle-Bug, who was greatly amazed; " upsets all the Natural Laws that I heard Professor Nowitall teach school-house "

" it does," said the Scarecrow, wisely "All magic is unnatural, and reason feared and avoided But the gates Emerald City, so I imagine now overcome all the magical obstacles that seemed to oppose us "

Indeed, the walls City were plainly visible, Queen Field Mice, who had guided them so faithfully, came near to bid them good- bye

" very grateful to your Majesty for your kind assistance," said the Tin Woodman, bowing pretty creature

" always pleased of service to my friends," answered the Queen, and in flash she had darted away upon her journey home

168 Full page line-art drawing

169 The Prisoners Queen

Approaching the gateway Emerald City the travelers found it guarded by two girls Army of Revolt, who opposed their entrance by drawing the knitting-needles from their hair and threatening to prod the first that came near

But the Tin Woodman was not afraid "

worst but scratch my beautiful nickel-plate," "But no 'worst,' for manage to frighten these absurd soldiers very easily Follow me closely, all of you ! "

Then, swinging his axe in great circle to right and left before him, he advanced gate, others followed him without hesitation

The girls, who had expected no resistance whatever, were terrified sweep glittering axe and fled screaming city; so

170 travelers passed the gates in safety and marched down the green marble pavement wide street toward the royal palace

" rate soon have your Majesty throne again," said the Tin Woodman, laughing at his easy conquest guards

" , friend Nick," returned the Scarecrow, gratefully "Nothing can resist your kind heart and your sharp axe "

passed the rows of houses they saw open doors that men were sweeping and dusting and washing dishes, while the women sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing

"What has happened ? " the Scarecrow asked sad-looking man with bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling baby-carriage along the sidewalk

"Why, we've had revolution, your Majesty ought ," replied the man; "and since you went away the women running things to suit themselves I'm glad decided back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man Emerald City "

"Hm ! " said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully "

171 is such hard work say, how did the women manage it so easily ? "

"I really know" replied the man, with deep sigh "Perhaps the women are made of castiron "

No movement , passed along the street, to oppose their progress Several women stopped their gossip long enough to cast curious looks upon our friends, but immediately turn away with laugh or sneer and resume their chatter And met with several girls belonging Army of Revolt, those soldiers, instead of being alarmed or appearing surprised, merely stepped way and allowed them to advance without protest

This action rendered the Scarecrow uneasy "

I'm afraid walking into trap," said he

"Nonsense ! " returned Nick Chopper, confidently; "the silly creatures are conquered already ! "

But the Scarecrow shook his head in way that expressed doubt, and Tip said:

"It's too easy, altogether Look out for trouble ahead "

" ," returned his Majesty Unopposed they reached the royal palace and marched up the marble steps, which had once been

172 Full page line-art drawing

"IT'S TOO EASY, ALTOGETHER "

173 thickly crusted with emeralds but were now filled with tiny holes where the jewels ruthlessly torn from their settings Army of Revolt And not rebel barred their way

arched hallways and magnificent throne room marched the Tin Woodman followers, and here, green silken curtains fell behind them, they saw curious sight

Seated glittering throne was General Jinjur, Scarecrow's second-best crown upon her head, royal sceptre in her right hand box of caramels, she was eating, rested in her lap, girl seemed entirely at ease in her royal surroundings

The Scarecrow stepped forward and confronted her, while the Tin Woodman leaned upon his axe others formed half-circle back Majesty's person

"How dare you sit in my throne ? " demanded the Scarecrow, sternly eyeing the intruder "Don't guilty of treason, and law against treason ? "

"The throne belongs to whoever is able it," answered Jinjur, as she slowly ate another caramel " taken it, as ; so just now the Queen, and all who oppose me are guilty of

174 treason, and punished law just mentioned "

This view case puzzled the Scarecrow

"How , friend Nick ? " he asked, turning Tin Woodman

"Why, when it comes to Law, nothing to, say" answered that personage "for laws were never meant understood, and foolish to attempt "

"Then what shall ? " asked the Scarecrow, in dismay

"Why don't you marry the Queen ? And then both rule," suggested the Woggle-Bug

Jinjur glared insect fiercely "Why don't you send her back to her mother, where she belongs ? " asked Jack Pumpkinhead

Jinjur frowned

"Why don't you shut her up in closet until she behaves herself, and promises good ? " enquired Tip Jinjur's lip curled scornfully

"Or give her good shaking ! " added the Saw-Horse

"No," said the Tin Woodman, " treat the poor girl with gentleness give her all the Jewels carry, and send her away happy and contented "

175

Queen Jinjur laughed aloud, next minute clapped her pretty hands together thrice, for signal

" very absurd creatures," said she; "but tired of your nonsense no time to bother longer "

While the monarch friends listened in amazement impudent speech, startling thing happened The Tin Woodman's axe was snatched grasp by some person behind him, and himself disarmed and helpless same instant shout of laughter rang ears devoted band, and turning whence this came they found themselves surrounded Army of Revolt, the girls bearing in either hand their glistening knitting-needles The entire throne room seemed filled rebels, Scarecrow comrades realized were prisoners

" how foolish to oppose woman's wit," said Jinjur, gaily; "and this event only proves that more fit to rule the Emerald City than Scarecrow I bear you no ill will, I assure you; but lest prove troublesome order you all destroyed , all except the boy, who belongs to old Mombi and restored to her keeping The rest of