L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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conversation until they drew up beside the palace steps.
An aged Winkie, dressed in a uniform of silver cloth, came forward to
assist them to alight. Said the Scarecrow to his personage:
"Show us at once to your master, the Emperor."
The man looked from one to another of the party in an embarrassed
way, and finally answered:
"I fear I must ask you to wait for a time. The Emperor is not
receiving this morning."
"How is that?" enquired the Scarecrow, anxiously." I hope nothing has
happened to him."
"Oh, no; nothing serious," returned the man. "But this is his
Majesty's day for being polished; and just now his august presence is
thickly smeared with putz-pomade."
"Oh, I see!" cried the Scarecrow, greatly reassured. "My friend was
ever inclined to be a dandy, and I suppose he is now more proud than ever
of his personal appearance."
"He is, indeed," said the man, with a polite bow. "Our mighty Emperor
has lately caused himself to be nickel-plated."
"Good Gracious!" the Scarecrow exclaimed at hearing this. "If his wit
bears the same polish, how sparkling it must be! But show us in - I'm sure
the Emperor will receive us, even in his present state"
"The Emperor's state is always magnificent," said the man. "But I
will venture to tell him of your arrival, and will receive his commands
concerning you."
So the party followed the servant into a splendid ante-room, and the
SawHorse ambled awkwardly after them, having no knowledge that a horse
might be expected to remain outside.
The travelers were at first somewhat awed by their surroundings, and
even the Scarecrow seemed impressed as he examined the rich hangings of
silver cloth caught up into knots and fastened with tiny silver axes. Upon