L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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Pumpkinhead he said:
"I am the Guardian of the Gates of the Emerald City. May I inquire
who you are, and what is your business?"
"My name is Jack Pumpkinhead," returned the other, smilingly; "but as
to my business, I haven't the least idea in the world what it is."
The Guardian of the Gates looked surprised, and shook his head as if
dissatisfied with the reply.
"What are you, a man or a pumpkin?" he asked, politely.
"Both, if you please," answered Jack.
"And this wooden horse - is it alive?" questioned the Guardian.
The horse rolled one knotty eye upward and winked at Jack. Then it
gave a prance and brought one leg down on the Guardian's toes.
"Ouch!" cried the man; "I'm sorry I asked that question. But the
answer is most convincing. Have you any errand, sir, in the Emerald City?"
"It seems to me that I have," replied the Pumpkinhead, seriously;
"but I cannot think what it is. My father knows all about it, but he is
not here."
"This is a strange affair very strange!" declared the Guardian. "But
you seem harmless. Folks do not smile so delightfully when they mean
mischief."
"As for that," said Jack, "I cannot help my smile, for it is carved
on my face with a jack-knife."
"Well, come with me into my room," resumed the Guardian, "and I will
see what can be done for you."
So Jack rode the Saw-Horse through the gateway into a little room
built into the wall. The Guardian pulled a bell-cord, and presently a very
tall soldier - clothed in a green uniform - entered from the opposite
door. This soldier carried a long green gun over his shoulder and had
lovely green whiskers that fell quite to his knees. The Guardian at once
addressed him, saying:
"Here is a strange gentleman who doesn't know why he has come to the