L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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believe they are somewhat nutritious, and Jack's head is large and plump."
"How heartless!" exclaimed the Tin Woodman, greatly shocked. "Are we
cannibals, let me ask? Or are we faithful friends?"
"I see very clearly that we cannot stay shut up in this palace," said
the Scarecrow, with decision. "So let us end this mournful talk and try to
discover a means to escape."
At this suggestion they all gathered eagerly around the throne,
wherein was seated the Scarecrow, and as Tip sat down upon a stool there
fell from his pocket a pepper-box, which rolled upon the floor.
"What is this?" asked Nick Chopper, picking up the box.
"Be careful!" cried the boy. "That's my Powder of Life. Don't spill
it, for it is nearly gone."
"And what is the Powder of Life?" enquired the Scarecrow, as Tip
replaced the box carefully in his pocket.
"It's some magical stuff old Mombi got from a crooked sorcerer,"
explained the boy. "She brought Jack to life with it, and afterward I used
it to bring the Saw-Horse to life. I guess it will make anything live that
is sprinkled with it; but there's only about one dose left."
"Then it is very precious," said the Tin Woodman.
"Indeed it is," agreed the Scarecrow. "It may prove our best means of
escape from our difficulties. I believe I will think for a few minutes; so
I will thank you, friend Tip, to get out your knife and rip this heavy
crown from my forehead."
Tip soon cut the stitches that had fastened the crown to the
Scarecrow's head, and the former monarch of the Emerald City removed it
with a sigh of relief and hung it on a peg beside the throne.
"That is my last memento of royalty" said he; "and I'm glad to get
rid of it. The former King of this City, who was named Pastoria, lost the