L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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do not often fail in what I attempt. But the Thing will have to be built
on the roof of the palace, so it can rise comfortably into the air."
"To be sure," said the Scarecrow.
"Then let us search through the palace," continued the Tin Woodman,
"and carry all the material we can find to the roof, where I will begin my
work."
"First, however," said the Pumpkinhead, "I beg you will release me
from this horse, and make me another leg to walk with. For in my present
condition I am of no use to myself or to anyone else."
So the Tin Woodman knocked a mahogany center-table to pieces with his
axe and fitted one of the legs, which was beautifully carved, on to the
body of Jack Pumpkinhead, who was very proud of the acquisition.
"It seems strange," said he, as he watched the Tin Woodman work,
"that my left leg should be the most elegant and substantial part of me."
"That proves you are unusual," returned the Scarecrow. "and I am
convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are
the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and
live and die unnoticed."
"Spoken like a philosopher!" cried the Woggle-Bug, as he assisted the
Tin Woodman to set Jack upon his feet.
"How do you feel now?" asked Tip, watching the Pumpkinhead stump
around to try his new leg."
As good as new" answered Jack, Joyfully, "and quite ready to assist
you all to escape."
"Then let us get to work," said the Scarecrow, in a business-like
tone.
So, glad to be doing anything that might lead to the end of their
captivity, the friends separated to wander over the palace in search of
fitting material to use in the construction of their aerial machine.