L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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their progress. Several of the women stopped their gossip long enough to
cast curious looks upon our friends, but immediately they would turn away
with a laugh or a sneer and resume their chatter. And when they met with
several girls belonging to the Army of Revolt, those soldiers, instead of
being alarmed or appearing surprised, merely stepped out of the way and
allowed them to advance without protest.
This action rendered the Scarecrow uneasy."
I'm afraid we are walking into a trap," said he.
"Nonsense!" returned Nick Chopper, confidently; "the silly creatures
are conquered already!"
But the Scarecrow shook his head in a way that expressed doubt, and
Tip said:
"It's too easy, altogether. Look out for trouble ahead."
"I will," returned his Majesty. Unopposed they reached the royal
palace and marched up the marble steps, which had once been thickly
crusted with emeralds but were now filled with tiny holes where the jewels
had been ruthlessly torn from their settings by the Army of Revolt. And so
far not a rebel barred their way.
Through the arched hallways and into the magnificent throne room
marched the Tin Woodman and his followers, and here, when the green silken
curtains fell behind them, they saw a curious sight.
Seated within the glittering throne was General Jinjur, with the
Scarecrow's second-best crown upon her head, and the royal sceptre in her
right hand. A box of caramels, from which she was eating, rested in her
lap, and the girl seemed entirely at ease in her royal surroundings.
The Scarecrow stepped forward and confronted her, while the Tin
Woodman leaned upon his axe and the others formed a half-circle back of
his Majesty's person.
"How dare you sit in my throne?" demanded the Scarecrow, sternly