L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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"Indeed!" murmured the Gump, indifferently.
"And my brains are considered remarkably rare specimens," added the
Scarecrow, proudly.
"How strange!" remarked the Gump.
"Although I am of tin," said the Woodman, "I own a heart altogether
the warmest and most admirable in the whole world."
"I'm delighted to hear it," replied the Gump, with a slight cough.
"My smile," said Jack Pumpkinhead, "is worthy your best attention. It
is always the same."
"Semper idem," explained the Woggle-Bug, pompously; and the Gump
turned to stare at him.
"And I," declared the Saw-Horse, filling in an awkward pause, "am
only remarkable because I can't help it."
"I am proud, indeed, to meet with such exceptional masters," said the
Gump, in a careless tone. "If I could but secure so complete an
introduction to myself, I would be more than satisfied."
"That will come in time," remarked the Scarecrow. "To 'Know Thyself'
is considered quite an accomplishment, which it has taken us, who are your
elders, months to perfect. But now," he added, turning to the others, "let
us get aboard and start upon our journey."
"Where shall we go?" asked Tip, as he clambered to a seat on the
sofas and assisted the Pumpkinhead to follow him.
"In the South Country rules a very delightful Queen called Glinda the
Good, who I am sure will gladly receive us," said the Scarecrow, getting
into the Thing clumsily. "Let us go to her and ask her advice."
"That is cleverly thought of," declared Nick Chopper, giving the
Woggle-Bug a boost and then toppling the Saw-Horse into the rear end of
the cushioned seats." I know Glinda the Good, and believe she will prove a
friend indeed."
"Are we all ready?" asked the boy.
"Yes," announced the Tin Woodman, seating himself beside the