Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/212

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The Royal Book of Oz

than ever before. Cheers greeted him wherever he went and even old Chew Chew was more agreeable and no longer made bitter remarks to Happy Toko. The Scarecrow himself, however, had four new wrinkles and was exceedingly melancholy. He missed the care-free life in Oz, and every minute that he was not ruling the island, he was thinking about his old home and dear, jolly comrades in the Emerald City.

"I almost hope they will look in the Magic Picture and wish me back again," he mused pensively. "But it is my duty to stay here. I have a family to support." So he resolved to put the best face he could on the matter and Happy Toko did his utmost to cheer up his royal master. The second morning after the great victory he came running into the silver throne room in a great state of excitement.

"The honorable Offspring have arriven!" announced Happy, turning a somersault. "Come ancient and amiable Sir and gaze upon your sons and grandsons!" The Scarecrow sprang joyously from his throne, upsetting a bowl of silver fish and three silver vases. At last a real family! Ever since his arrival the three Princes and their fifteen little sons had been cruising on the royal pleasure barge, so that the Scarecrow had not caught a glimpse of them.

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