L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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my adventurous experiences. You will observe this engraved star upon my
left breast. It not only indicates where my excellent heart lies, but
covers very neatly the patch made by the Wonderful Wizard when he placed
that valued organ in my breast with his own skillful hands."
"Is your heart, then, a hand-organ?" asked the Pumpkinhead,
curiously.
"By no means," responded the emperor, with dignity. "It is, I am
convinced, a strictly orthodox heart, although somewhat larger and warmer
than most people possess."
Then he turned to the Scarecrow and asked:
"Are your subjects happy and contented, my dear friend?"
"I cannot, say" was the reply. "for the girls of Oz have risen in
revolt and driven me out of the emerald City."
"Great Goodness!" cried the Tin Woodman, "What a calamity! They
surely do not complain of your wise and gracious rule?"
"No; but they say it is a poor rule that don't work both ways,"
answered the Scarecrow; "and these females are also of the opinion that
men have ruled the land long enough. So they have captured my city, robbed
the treasury of all its jewels, and are running things to suit themselves.
"
"Dear me! What an extraordinary idea!" cried the Emperor, who was
both shocked and surprised.
"And I heard some of them say," said Tip, "that they intend to march
here and capture the castle and city of the Tin Woodman."
"Ah! we must not give them time to do that," said the Emperor,
quickly; "we will go at once and recapture the Emerald City and place the
Scarecrow again upon his throne."
"I was sure you would help me," remarked the Scarecrow in a pleased
voice. "How large an army can you assemble?"
"We do not need an army," replied the Woodman. "We four, with the aid