L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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Scarecrow.
"Then," said Tip, addressing the Gump, "be kind enough to fly with us
to the Southward; and do not go higher than to escape the houses and
trees, for it makes me dizzy to be up so far."
"All right," answered the Gump, briefly.
It flopped its four huge wings and rose slowly into the air; and
then, while our little band of adventurers clung to the backs and sides of
the sofas for support, the Gump turned toward the South and soared swiftly
and majestically away.
"The scenic effect, from this altitude, is marvelous," commented the
educated Woggle-Bug, as they rode along.
"Never mind the scenery," said the Scarecrow. "Hold on tight, or you
may get a tumble. The Thing seems to rock badly.'
"It will be dark soon," said Tip, observing that the sun was low on
the horizon. "Perhaps we should have waited until morning. I wonder if the
Gump can fly in the night."
"I've been wondering that myself," returned the Gump quietly. "You
see, this is a new experience to me. I used to have legs that carried me
swiftly over the ground. But now my legs feel as if they were asleep."
"They are," said Tip. "We didn't bring 'em to life."
"You're expected to fly," explained the Scarecrow. "not to walk."
"We can walk ourselves," said the Woggle-Bug."
I begin to understand what is required of me," remarked the Gump; "so
I will do my best to please you," and he flew on for a time in silence.
Presently Jack Pumpkinhead became uneasy.
"I wonder if riding through the air is liable to spoil pumpkins," he
said.
"Not unless you carelessly drop your head over the side," answered
the Woggle-Bug. "In that event your head would no longer be a pumpkin, for
it would become a squash."
"Have I not asked you to restrain these unfeeling jokes?" demanded