"Wait minute ! " called the Scarecrow He thinking best , and now he asked the Woodman to chop away the end tree that rested on their side ditch The Tin Woodman began to use his axe at once, and, just two Kalidahs were nearly across, the tree fell with crash gulf, carrying the ugly, snarling brutes with it, and both were dashed to pieces sharp rocks bottom

"Well," said the Cowardly Lion, drawing long breath of relief, " going to live little while longer, and of it, very uncomfortable thing not alive Those creatures frightened me so badly that my heart is beating yet "

"Ah," said the Tin Woodman sadly, " I had heart to beat "

This adventure made the travelers more anxious than ever forest, walked so fast that Dorothy became tired, and had to ride Lion's back great joy the trees became thinner the farther they advanced, and afternoon they suddenly came upon broad river, flowing swiftly just before them other side water see the road of yellow brick running through beautiful country, with green meadows dotted with bright flowers and all the road bordered with trees hanging full of delicious fruits They were greatly pleased this delightful country before them

"How shall we cross the river ? " asked Dorothy

" easily done," replied the Scarecrow "The Tin Woodman must build us raft, so float other side "

So the Woodman took his axe and began to chop down small trees raft, and while busy the Scarecrow found riverbank tree full of fine fruit This pleased Dorothy, who had eaten nothing but nuts all day, and she made hearty meal ripe fruit

But it takes time raft, even when one is as industrious and untiring Tin Woodman, and when night came the work was not done So they found cozy place under the trees where they slept well until the morning; and Dorothy dreamed Emerald City, and good Wizard Oz, soon send her back to her own home again

8 The Deadly Poppy Field

Our little party of travelers awakened the next morning refreshed and full of hope, and Dorothy breakfasted like princess off peaches and plums trees beside the river Behind them dark forest they had passed safely through, although they had suffered many discouragements; but before them was lovely, sunny country that seemed to beckon them on Emerald City

, the broad river now cut them off beautiful land But the raft was nearly done, and Tin Woodman had cut few more logs and fastened them together with wooden pins, they were ready to start Dorothy sat down middle raft and held Toto in her arms Cowardly Lion stepped raft it tipped badly, for big and heavy; but the Scarecrow Tin Woodman stood other end to steady it, had long poles in their hands to push the raft water

They got along quite well at first, but reached the middle river the swift current swept the raft downstream, farther and farther away road of yellow brick water grew so deep long poles touch the bottom

" bad," said the Tin Woodman, "for get land carried country Wicked Witch West, and she will enchant us and make us her slaves "

"And then get no brains," said the Scarecrow

"And get no courage," said the Cowardly Lion

"And get no heart," said the Tin Woodman

"And never get back to Kansas," said Dorothy

" certainly get Emerald City ," the Scarecrow continued, and he pushed so hard long pole stuck fast mud bottom river Then, before pull it out again--or let go--the raft was swept away, poor Scarecrow left clinging pole middle river

"Good-bye ! " after them, were very sorry to leave him Indeed, the Tin Woodman began to cry, but fortunately remembered that he might rust, and so dried his tears on Dorothy's apron

bad thing Scarecrow

" now worse off than when I first met Dorothy," he thought "Then, stuck on pole in cornfield, where make-believe scare the crows, at any rate But surely no use for Scarecrow stuck on pole middle of river afraid never have any brains, after all ! "

Down the stream the raft floated, poor Scarecrow was left far behind Then the Lion said:

"Something to save us swim shore and pull the raft after me, only hold fast tip tail "

So he sprang water, Tin Woodman caught fast hold tail Then the Lion began to swim with all his might toward the shore hard work, although so big; but by and by they were drawn current, and then Dorothy took the Tin Woodman's long pole and helped push the raft land

They were all tired out reached the shore at last and stepped off pretty green grass, also knew stream had carried them long way past the road of yellow brick that led Emerald City

"What shall now ? " asked the Tin Woodman, Lion lay down grass to let the sun dry him

" get back road, in some way," said Dorothy

"The best plan to walk along the riverbank until we come road again," remarked the Lion

So, were rested, Dorothy picked up her basket started along the grassy bank, road the river had carried them lovely country, with plenty of flowers and fruit trees and sunshine to cheer them, and had they not felt so sorry poor Scarecrow, they very happy

They walked along as fast as , Dorothy only stopping once to pick beautiful flower; and after time the Tin Woodman cried out: "Look ! "

Then they all looked river and saw the Scarecrow perched upon his pole middle water, looking very lonely and sad

"What can to save him ? " asked Dorothy

The Lion Woodman both shook their heads, for know So they sat down bank and gazed wistfully Scarecrow until Stork flew by, who, upon seeing them, stopped to rest water's edge

"Who and where going ? " asked the Stork

" Dorothy," answered the girl, "and these are my friends, the Tin Woodman Cowardly Lion; and going Emerald City "

"This isn't the road," said the Stork, as she twisted her long neck and looked sharply queer party

" it," returned Dorothy, "but lost the Scarecrow, wondering how get him again "

"Where is he ? " asked the Stork

"Over there river," answered the little girl

"If he wasn't so big and heavy get him ," remarked the Stork

"He isn't heavy bit," said Dorothy eagerly, "for stuffed with straw; and bring him back , ever and ever "

"Well, I'll try," said the Stork, "but if too heavy to carry to drop him river again "

So the big bird flew air and over the water till she came to where the Scarecrow was perched upon his pole Then the Stork with her great claws grabbed the Scarecrow arm and carried him up air and back bank, where Dorothy Lion Tin Woodman and Toto were sitting

Scarecrow found himself among his friends again, so happy that he hugged them all, even the Lion and Toto; and walked along he sang "Tol-de-ri-de-oh ! " at every step, so gay

" afraid to stay river forever," , "but the kind Stork saved me, and if I ever get any brains find the Stork again and do her some kindness in return "

"That's all right," said the Stork, who was flying along beside them "I always like to help anyone in trouble But go now, babies are waiting nest find the Emerald City Oz will "

" ," replied Dorothy, and then the kind Stork flew air and was soon out of sight

They walked along listening singing brightly colored birds and looking lovely flowers which now became so thick ground was carpeted There were big yellow and white and blue and purple blossoms, besides great clusters of scarlet poppies, which were so brilliant in color they almost dazzled Dorothy's eyes

"Aren't they beautiful ? " the girl asked, as she breathed spicy scent bright flowers