Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/38

 There was something so jolly about the Scarecrow's smile that the two creatures became friendly at once, and moreover told him the story of their lives.

"As you have doubtless noted," began the larger creature, "I am an A-B-Sea Serpent. I am employed in the nursery of the Mer children to teach them their letters. My friend, here, is a Rattlesnake and it is his business to amuse the Mer babies while the Mermaids are mer-marketing. Once a year we take a vacation and, proceeding from the sea depths up a strange river, we came out upon this shore. Perhaps you, Sir, will be able to tell us where we are?"

"You are in the Munchkin Country of the Land of Oz," explained the Scarecrow politely. "It is a charming place for a vacation. I would show you about myself, if I were not bound on an important mission." Here the Scarecrow sighed deeply.

"Have you a family?" he asked the A-B-Sea Serpent curiously.

"Yes indeed," replied the monster snapping its tape measure tongue in and out, "I have five great grandmothers, twenty-one grand nieces, seven brothers and six sisters-in-law!"

"Ah!" murmured the Scarecrow, clasping his hands tragically, "how I envy you. I have no one