Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/50

Rh head and their faces were large and lumpy and had a disconcerting way of changing shape. Indeed, when the King leaned over to examine the Scarecrow his features were so soft they seemed to run into his cheek which hung down alarmingly, while his nose turned sideways and lengthened at least an inch!

Muddle pushed the King's nose back and began spreading his cheek into place. Instead of hands and feet the Middlings had gnarled and twisted roots which curled up in a perfectly terrifying manner. Their teeth were gold and their eyes shone like small electric lights. They wore stiff coats of dried mud, buttoned clumsily with lumps of coal and the King had a tall mud crown. Altogether, the Scarecrow thought he had never seen more disagreeable looking creatures.

"What he needs," spluttered the King, fingering the jewel greedily, "is a coat of mud! Shall we pull him in Muddle?"

"He's very poorly made, your Mudjesty. Can you work, Carescrow?" asked Muddle thumping him rudely in the chest.

"Scarecrow, if you please!" The Scarecrow drew himself up and spoke with great dignity. "I can work with my head!" he added proudly.