The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-14
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THE PRISONERS OF THE QUEEN.

THE PRISONERS OF THE QUEEN.
Approaching the gateway of the
Emerald City the travellers found it
guarded by two girls of the Army of
Revolt, who opposed their entrance
by drawing the knitting-needles from
their hair and threatening to prod the
first that came near.
But the Tin Woodman was not
afraid.
"At the worst they can but scratch
my beautiful nickel-plate," he said.
But there will be no worst for 1
think I can manage to frighten these
absurd soldiers very easily. Follow
me closely. all of you!"
Then, swinging his axe in a great
circle to right and left before him, he
advanced upon the gate, and the 9TH
ers followed him without hesitation
The girls, who had expected no re-
sistance whatever, were terrified by
| the sweep of the glittering axe and
fled screaming into the city; SO that
our travellers passed the gates in safe
| ty and marched, down the green mar
| BILE pavement of the wide street toward
the royal palace.
'At this rate we will soon have your
Majesty upon the throne again." said
the Tin Woodman, laughing at his
easy conquest of the guards.
Thank you, friend Nick" returned
the Scarecrow, gratefully. Nothing
can resist your kind heart and your
sharp axe"
| AS they passed the rows of houses
they saw thru the open doors that
men were sweeping and busting and
washing dishes, while the women
sat around in groups, gossiping and
| laughing.
what has happened?" the Scare
crow asked a sad-looking man with a
was wheeling a baby-carriage along
the sidewalk.
'Why, we've had a revolution, your
Majesty-as you ought to know very
WELL" replied the man; land since you
went away the women have been run
ming things to suit themselves. I'm
glad you have decided to come back
and restore order, for doing house
work and minding the children is
wearing out the strength of every man
in the Emerald City,
''Hmi" said the Scarecrow. thought
fully. "If it is such hard work as you
say. how did the women manage it
So easily?"
man, with a deep sigh. Perhaps the
women are made of cast-iron.''
No movement was made, as they
| passed along the street. to oppose their
| progress. Several of the women
stopped their gossip long enough to
cast curious looks upon our friends,
but Immediately they would turn away
with a laugh or a sheer aid resume
their chatter. And when they met
with several girls belonging to the
Army of Revolt, those soldiers, instead
OF being alarmed or appearing sur
I,rised, merely stepped out of the way
and allowed them to advance without
protest.
This action rendered the scarecrow
uneasy.
"Im afraid we are walking into a
trap" said he.
| "Nonsense." returned Nick Chop
per, confidently; the silly creatures
are conquered already"
| But the Scarecrow shook his head
| in a way that expressed doubt, and
Tip said:
'It's too easy altogether. Look out
| for trouble ahead
| II will" returned his Majesty.
| Unopposed, they reached the royal
palace and marched up the marble
steps, which had once beer thickly
encrusted with emeralds but were now
| filled with tiny holes where the jewels
had been ruthlessly torn from their
settings by the Army of Revolt. And
so far not rebel barred their way.