"Hush up, can't you!" rumbled the Cowardly Lion. "Do you want Dorothy and everybody to be thrown into prison on our account. We can't climb the bean pole and will have to wait here and face it out."
"But how uncomfortable," wailed the camel. He began to sob heavily. Dorothy, although highest up the bean pole, heard all of this distinctly. "Oh," she cried remorsefully, "We can't desert the Cowardly Lion like this. I never thought about him."
"Spoken like the dear little Maid you are," said the Knight. "The good beast never reminded us of it either—there's bravery for you!"
"Let us descend at once, I'll not move a step without the Cowardly Lion!" In his agitation the Scarecrow lost his balance and fell headlong to the ground, knocking Sir Hokus's helmet terribly askew as he passed. The others made haste to follow him and were soon gathered gravely at the foot of the bean stalk.
"I'll have to think of some other plan," said the Scarecrow, looking nervously at the sky which showed, through the long windows, the first streaks of dawn. The Comfortable Camel controlled its sobs with difficulty and pressed as close to Sir Hokus as it could. The Doubtful Dromedary was still asleep.
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