The Lamar register., 1909-09-08
CHAPTER discontinued.

While Dorothy was looking earnest
ly into the queer painted face of the
Scarecrow, she was surprised to see
one of the eyes slowly wink at her.
She thought she must have been mis-
taken. at first. for none of the scare
crows in Kansas ever wink; but pres
emily the figure nodded its head TO her
in friendly way. Then she climbed
down from the fence and walked up to
1t, while Toto ran around the pole
and barked.
Good day." said the Scarecrow, in
a rather husky voice.
did you speak," asked the girl. in
wonder.
Certainly answered the Scare
crow: how do you do?"
I'm pretty well. thank you" re-
piled Dorothy. politely; how do
you do?"
I'm not feeling WE'LL" said the
Scarecrow, with smile. for it is
very tedious being perched up here
night and day to scare away crows"
Cant you get DOWN." asked Dor
othy.
NO. for this pole is stuck up my
back. II you will please take away
the pole I shall be greatly obliged to
You"
Dorothy reached up both arms and
lifted the figure on the pole: for. being
stuffed with straw. 1t was quite light.
Thank you very much" said the
Scarecrow. when he had been set
down on the ground. Il feel like a
new man."
Dorothy was puzzled at this. for 1t
sounded queer to hear a stuffed man
speak. and to see him bow and walk
along beside her.
who are your" asked the Scare
crow. when he had stretched himself
and yawned. land where are you GO
ing?"
MY name Is Dorothy" said the girl.
'and am going to the Emerald City.
TO ask the great Or to send me back
to Kansas
Where is the Emerald City," he In
Quired: and who is Or"
''why. don't you know" she re-
turned. in surprise.
mo. indeed; don't know anything.
You see. I am stuffed. so have no
brains at ALL" he answered. sadly.
oh" said Dorothy: I'm awfully
sorry for you"
DO you think" he asked. IF l go
to the Emerald City with you. that the
great OF would give me some brains ?"
Il cannot tell she returned: but
you may come with me. II you like. II
Or will not give you any brains you
will be no worse on than you are
now"
That is true" said the Scarecrow.
you see." he continued. confidential
ly. II don't mind my legs and arms
and body being stuffed. because I can
not get hurt. II any one treads on my
toes or sticks a pin into me. 1t doesn't
matter. for I can't feel 1t. But I do
not want people to call me fool. and
II my head stays stuffed with straw in
stead of with brains, as yours is, how
am I ever to know anything?"
Il understand how you feel" said
the little girl who was truly sorry for
him IF you will come with me I'll
ask OF to do all he can for you"
Thank you" he answered, CRATE
fully.
They walked back to the road. Dor
othy helped him over the fence. and
they started along the path OF yellow
brick for the Emerald City.
Toto did not like this addition to the
party. at first He smelled around the
stuffed man as IL he suspected there
might be a nest of rats in the straw.
and he often growled in an unfriendIy
way at the Scarecrow.
Don't mind Toto" said Dorothy to
her new friend; he never bites"
"Oh. I'm not afraid" replied the
Scarecrow, he can't hurt the straw.
Do let me carry that basket for you.
l shall not mind it. for l can't get
tired. I'll tell you a secret" he con-
tinued, as he walked along; there il
only one thing in the world am
afraid Of"
What is that?' asked Dorothy;
"the Munchkin farmer who made
your"
NO" answered the Scarecrow; its
. lighted match"