Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/58

The Royal Book of Oz "Ancestor! Father!" mumbled the Scarecrow in a puzzled voice. Then collecting himself somewhat, he made a deep bow and sweeping off his hat with a truly royal gesture began: "I am indeed honored—" But he got no farther. The silken clad courtiers sprang to their feet in a frenzy of joy. A dozen seized him bodily and carried him to a great silver throne.

"The same beautiful voice!" cried the ancient gentleman, clasping his hands in an ecstacy of feeling.

"It is he! The Emperor! The Emperor has returned! Long live the Emperor!" shouted everyone at once. The confusion grew worse and worse.

"Ancestor! Father! Emperor!" The Scarecrow could scarcely believe his ears. "For a fallen man I am rising like yeast!" he murmured to himself. Half a dozen courtiers had run out doors to spread the wonderful news and soon silver gongs and bells began ringing all over the kingdom and cries of "The Emperor! The Emperor!" added to the general excitement. Holding fast to the sides of the throne and still grasping the little fan and parasol the Scarecrow sat blinking with embarrassment.

"If they would just stop emperoaring I could ask them who I am," thought the poor Scarecrow. As if in answer to his thoughts the tottery old nobleman