Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/228

The Royal Book of Oz has discovered a magic formula to break the enchantment and free him from this distressing Scarecrow body. Behold for the last time the Scarecrow of Oz. To-morrow he will be our old and glorious Emperor!"

"Old and glorious?" gasped the Scarecrow, nearly falling from his throne. "Tappy! I forgot to lock up the wizards. Great Cornstarch! To-morrow I will be eighty-five years old."

Such cheers greeted the Grand Chew Chew's announcement that no one even noticed the Scarecrow's distress.

"I, also, have an announcement!" cried the eldest Prince, standing up proudly. "To make the celebration of my royal Papa's restoration complete, we have chosen the charming and lovely Orange Blossom for his bride."

"Bride!" gulped the Scarecrow. "But I do not approve of second marriages, I refuse to—"

No one paid the slightest attention to the Scarecrow's remarks.

"Hold my hand, Tappy," sighed the Scarecrow weakly. "It may be your last chance." Then he sat up and stared in good earnest, for the Prince was leading forward a tall, richly clad lady.

"Orange Blossom!" muttered the Scarecrow,