The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-03-01

I hope that he rules his people more
successfully than 1 have ruled mine!"
us the Tin Woodman the EN-
peror of the Winkies?' asked the
horse.
Yes. indeed. They invited him to
rule over them soon after the Wicked
Witch was destroyed; and as Nick
Chopper has the best heart in all the
world 1 am sure he has proved an ex-
cellent and able emperor"
Il thought that Emperor was the
title of person who rules an en-
pire," said Tip. and the Country OF
the Wrinkles is only a Kingdom"
Don't mention that to the Til,
Woodman!" exclaimed the Scarecrow
earnestly. You would hurt his feel
ings terribly. He is a proud man. as
he has every reason to be, and it
pleases him to be termed Emperor
rather than King"
I'm sure it makes no difference
to me-" replied the boy.
The Saw-Horse now ambled for
ward at a pace SO fast that its riders
had hard work to stick upon its back;
so there was little further CONVERSE
ton until they drew up beside the
palace steps.
An aged Wrinkle, dressed in a uni
form of silver cloth. came forward to
assist them to alight. Said the Scare
crow to this personage:<
SHOW US at once to your master
the Emperor"
The man looked from one to an
other of the party in an embarrassed
way, and finally answered:
81 fear I must ask you to wait Tor
time. Tht Emperor is not receiving
! this morning"
How is that" enquired the Scare
| crow, anxiously. Il hope nothing has
| happened to HIM"
/ "Oh, no; nothing serious, returned
! the man. But this is his Majesty s
| day for being polished. and just now
his august presence Is thickly smeareo
with putz-pomade.
! "Oh, I see." cried the Scarecrow,
greatly treasured. My friend was
ever inclined to be a dandy, and I
| suppose he is now more proud than
ever of his personal appearance.
He is, indeed" said the man, with
! a polite bow. "Our mighty emperor
| has lately caused himself to be nickel
| plated
| GOOD Gracious" the Scarecrow
exclaimed at hearing this. IF his
wit bears the same polish. how spark
| ling it must be, But show us in-rm
sure the emperor will receive us, even
| in his present state"
/ THE emperors state is always
magnificent said the man. But
arrival, and will receive his commands
concerning you"
So the party followed the servant
| into n splendid ante-room and the
Saw Horse ambled awkwardly after
them, having no knowledge that a
horse might be expected to remain
| outside.
The travellers were at fir-t somewhat
awed by their surroundings. and even
the Scarecrow seemed impressed as he
examined the rich hangings Of silver
cloth caught up into knots and fasten-
ed with tiny silver axes. Upon a
handsome center-table stood a large
| silver oil-can, richly engraved with
| scenes from the past adventures of
| the Tin Woodman, Dorothy, the
| cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow: the
! lines of the engraving being traced
upon the silver in yellow gold. On
! the walls hung several portraits, that
I of the Scarecrow seeming to be the
most prominent and carefully ex-
] ecuted, while a large painting of the
| famous Wizard of OF, in the act of
presenting the Tin Woodman with a
| heart, covered almost one entire end
| of the room.
| While the visitors gazed at these
! things in silent admiration they sud
/ denly heard a loud voice in the next
room exclaim:
well, well! welll What a great
surprise"
| And then the door burst open and
| Nick Chopper rushed into their midst
and loving embrace that creased him
| into many folds and wrinkles.
| my dear old friend. My noble
comrade" cried the Tin Woodman.
joyfulIy: "how delighted am to meet
you once again."
And then he released the Scarecrow
| and held him at arms length while he
surveyed the beloved, painted features.
But, alas, the face of the Scarecrow
and many portions of his body bore