Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/144

The Royal Book of Oz The harbor lay just below the Imperial Palace, and the Scarecrow and Happy hurried on through the crowds of fleeing Silvermen, their household goods packed upon their heads. Some cheered faintly for Chang Wang Woe, but none offered to follow, save the faithful Happy.

“Is this king old?” asked the Scarecrow, looking anxiously at the small boats full of warriors that were putting out from the fleet.

“He is the son of the King whom your Majesty conquered fifty years ago,” gulped Happy. “Ha has your Imperial Highness any plan?”

“Not yet,” said the Scarecrow cheerfully, “but I'm thinking very hard.”

“Then, goodbye to Silver Island!” choked Happy Toko, dropping the watering can with a crash.

“Never mind,” said the Scarecrow kindly, “if they shoot me and I catch fire I’ll jump in the water and you must fish me out Tappy. Now please don’t talk any more. I must think!”

Poor Happy Toko had nothing else to say, for he considered his day finished. The first of the invaders were already landing on the beach and standing up in a small boat, encased in glittering gold armor was the King of the Golden Islands, himself. The sun 132