L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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straw from the King's body and legs, and spread it out in the sun to dry.
The wet clothing he hung over the body of the Saw-Horse.
"If water spoils pumpkins," observed Jack, with a deep sigh, "then my
days are numbered."
"I've never noticed that water spoils pumpkins," returned Tip;
"unless the water happens to be boiling. If your head isn't cracked, my
friend, you must be in fairly good condition."
"Oh, my head isn't cracked in the least," declared Jack, more
cheerfully.
"Then don't worry," retorted the boy. "Care once killed a cat."
"Then," said Jack, seriously, "I am very glad indeed that I am not a
cat."
The sun was fast drying their clothing, and Tip stirred up his
Majesty's straw so that the warm rays might absorb the moisture and make
it as crisp and dry as ever. When this had been accomplished he stuffed
the Scarecrow into symmetrical shape and smoothed out his face so that he
wore his usual gay and charming expression.
"Thank you very much," said the monarch, brightly, as he walked about
and found himself to be well balanced. "There are several distinct
advantages in being a Scarecrow. For if one has friends near at hand to
repair damages, nothing very serious can happen to you."
"I wonder if hot sunshine is liable to crack pumpkins," said Jack,
with an anxious ring in his voice.
"Not at all - not at all!" replied the Scarecrow, gaily." All you
need fear, my boy, is old age. When your golden youth has decayed we shall
quickly part company - but you needn't look forward to it; we'll discover
the fact ourselves, and notify you. But come! Let us resume our journey. I
am anxious to greet my friend the Tin Woodman."
So they remounted the Saw-Horse, Tip holding to the post, the