L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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position behind the Pumpkinhead. Then he gave Jack a sudden push that sent
him sprawling upon the cushions in so awkward a fashion that he doubled up
like a jackknife, and had hard work to untangle himself.
"Did you understand that sign?" asked His Majesty, politely.
"Perfectly," declared Jack, reaching up his arms to turn his head to
the front, the pumpkin having twisted around upon the stick that supported
it.
"You seem hastily made," remarked the Scarecrow, watching Jack's
efforts to straighten himself.
"Not more so than your Majesty," was the frank reply.
"There is this difference between us," said the Scarecrow, "that
whereas I will bend, but not break, you will break, but not bend."
At this moment the soldier returned leading a young girl by the hand.
She seemed very sweet and modest, having a pretty face and beautiful green
eyes and hair. A dainty green silk skirt reached to her knees, showing
silk stockings embroidered with pea-pods, and green satin slippers with
bunches of lettuce for decorations instead of bows or buckles. Upon her
silken waist clover leaves were embroidered, and she wore a jaunty little
jacket trimmed with sparkling emeralds of a uniform size.
"Why, it's little Jellia Jamb!" exclaimed the Scarecrow, as the green
maiden bowed her pretty head before him. "Do you understand the language
of the Gillikins, my dear?"
"Yes, your Majesty, she answered, "for I was born in the North
Country."
"Then you shall be our interpreter," said the Scarecrow, "and explain
to this Pumpkinhead all that I say, and also explain to me all that he
says. Is this arrangement satisfactory?" he asked, turning toward his
guest.
"Very satisfactory indeed," was the reply.
"Then ask him, to begin with," resumed the Scarecrow, turning to