Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/142

The Royal Book of Oz "It has retired to the caves at the end of the Island," quavered the Grand Chew Chew.

"I thought as much," said the Scarecrow. "But never mind, there are quite a lot of us."

"Us!" spluttered a tall Silverman indignantly. "We are not common soldiers."

"No—very uncommon ones, but you have hard heads and long nails and I daresay will manage somehow. Come on—let's go. Chew, you may take the lead."

"Go!" shrieked the Grand Chew Chew. "Us?" The Courtiers began backing away in alarm. "Where—er—what—are your Highness' plans?"

"Why just to conquer the King of the Golden Islands and send him back home," said the Scarecrow, smilingly engagingly. "That's what you wanted wasn't it?"

"But it is not honorable for noblemen to fight—it—"

"Oh, of course, if you prefer burning—" the Scarecrow rose unsteadily and started for the garden gates. Not a person stirred. The Scarecrow looked back and his reproachful face was too much for Happy Toko.

"I'll come, exalted and radiant Scarecrowcus!