L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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Pumpkinhead, and the latter personage seemed to interest the Tin Woodman
greatly.
"You are not very substantial, I must admit," said the Emperor. "but
you are certainly unusual, and therefore worthy to become a member of our
select society."
"I thank your Majesty, said Jack, humbly.
"I hope you are enjoying good health?" continued the Woodman.
"At present, yes;" replied the Pumpkinhead, with a sigh; "but I am in
constant terror of the day when I shall spoil."
"Nonsense!" said the Emperor - but in a kindly, sympathetic tone. "Do
not, I beg of you, dampen today's sun with the showers of tomorrow. For
before your head has time to spoil you can have it canned, and in that way
it may be preserved indefinitely."
Tip, during this conversation, was looking at the Woodman with
undisguised amazement, and noticed that the celebrated Emperor of the
Winkies was composed entirely of pieces of tin, neatly soldered and
riveted together into the form of a man. He rattled and clanked a little,
as he moved, but in the main he seemed to be most cleverly constructed,
and his appearance was only marred by the thick coating of polishing-paste
that covered him from head to foot.
The boy's intent gaze caused the Tin Woodman to remember that he was
not in the most presentable condition, so he begged his friends to excuse
him while he retired to his private apartment and allowed his servants to
polish him. This was accomplished in a short time, and when the emperor
returned his nickel-plated body shone so magnificently that the Scarecrow
heartily congratulated him on his improved appearance.
"That nickel-plate was, I confess, a happy thought," said Nick; "and
it was the more necessary because I had become somewhat scratched during