L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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"Tally one for me," said the Scarecrow, calmly "What's wrong, my man?
" he added, addressing the Soldier.
"Oh! your Majesty - your Majesty! The City is conquered!" gasped the
Royal Army, who was all out of breath.
"This is quite sudden," said the Scarecrow. "But please go and bar
all the doors and windows of the palace, while I show this Pumpkinhead how
to throw a quoit."
The Soldier hastened to do this, while Tip, who had arrived at his
heels, remained in the courtyard to look at the Scarecrow with wondering
eyes.
His Majesty continued to throw the quoits as coolly as if no danger
threatened his throne, but the Pumpkinhead, having caught sight of Tip,
ambled toward the boy as fast as his wooden legs would go.
"Good afternoon, noble parent!" he cried, delightedly." I'm glad to
see you are here. That terrible Saw-Horse ran away with me."
"I suspected it," said Tip. "Did you get hurt? Are you cracked at
all?"
"No, I arrived safely," answered Jack, "and his Majesty has been very
kind indeed to me.
At this moment the Soldier with the Green Whiskers returned, and the
Scarecrow asked:
"By the way, who has conquered me?"
"A regiment of girls, gathered from the four corners of the Land of
Oz," replied the Soldier, still pale with fear.
"But where was my Standing Army at the time?" inquired his Majesty,
looking at the Soldier, gravely.
"Your Standing Army was running," answered the fellow, honestly; "for
no man could face the terrible weapons of the invaders."
"Well," said the Scarecrow, after a moment's thought, "I don't mind
much the loss of my throne, for it's a tiresome job to rule over the
Emerald City. And this crown is so heavy that it makes my head ache. But I
hope the Conquerors have no intention of injuring me, just because I