L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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the straw which stuffs my body, and when I give them the signal by
unbuttoning my jacket, they have only to rush out and scamper home again
as fast as they can. By doing this they will assist me to regain my
throne, which the Army of Revolt has taken from me."
"In that case," said the Queen, "I will not refuse your request.
Whenever you are ready, I will call twelve of my most intelligent
subjects."
"I am ready now" returned the Scarecrow. Then he lay flat upon the
ground and unbuttoned his jacket, displaying the mass of straw with which
he was stuffed.
The Queen uttered a little piping call, and in an instant a dozen
pretty field mice had emerged from their holes and stood before their
ruler, awaiting her orders.
What the Queen said to them none of our travelers could understand,
for it was in the mouse language; but the field mice obeyed without
hesitation, running one after the other to the Scarecrow and hiding
themselves in the straw of his breast.
When all of the twelve mice had thus concealed themselves, the
Scarecrow buttoned his Jacket securely and then arose and thanked the
Queen for her kindness.
"One thing more you might do to serve us," suggested the Tin Woodman;
"and that is to run ahead and show us the way to the Emerald City. For
some enemy is evidently trying to prevent us from reaching it."
"I will do that gladly," returned the Queen. "Are you ready?"
The Tin Woodman looked at Tip.
"I'm rested," said the boy. "Let us start."
Then they resumed their journey, the little grey Queen of the Field
Mice running swiftly ahead and then pausing until the travelers drew near,
when away she would dart again.
Without this unerring guide the Scarecrow and his comrades might