The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-05-17
A NICKEL-PLATED EMPEROR.

"A
Tip iawoke soon after dawn. but the
Scarecrow had already risen and
plucked, with his clumsy fingers, a
double-handful of ripe berries from
some bushes near bv These the boy
ate greedy. finding them an ample
breakfast, and afterward the little
party resumed it's journey.
After an hours ride they reached
the summit of a hill from whence they
| espied the City of the Wrinkles and
noted the tall domes of the Emperor's
palace rising from the clusters of more
modest dwellings.
\ The Scarecrow became greatly ami
mated at this sight, and exclaimed:
How delighted L shall be to see
my old friend the Tin Woodman
againi I hope that he rules his peo-
pie more successfully than 1 have
ruled minei"
rs the Tin Woodman the Emperor
| of the Winkies?" asked the horse.
Eyes, 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 I am sure he has proved an ex-
cellent and able emperor"
| 'I thought that Emperor was the
title of person who rules an empire,
said Tip, land the Country of the
Wrinkles is only a Kingdom"
| Don't mention that to the Tin
Woodmani" exclaimed the Scarecrow
| earnestly. you would hurt his feel
ings terribly. He is a proud man, as
he has every reason to be, and IL
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 pace so fast that its riders
had hard work to stick upon its back;
I so there was little further converse
ton until they drew up beside the
palace steps.
An aged Wrinkle, dressed in uni
form of silver cloth, came forward
| to assist them to alight. SAID the
| Scarecrow to this parsonage:
| 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:
Il fear 1 must ask you to wait Tor
time. The Emperor is not receiving
this morning" ~
How is that?" inquired the Scare
lcrow, anxiously. 81 hope nothing has
happened to him"
the man. But this is his Majesty's
day for being polished, and just now
| his august presence is thickly smeared
with putz-pomade."
"Oh. I see!" cried the Scarecrow,
greatly treasured MY friend was
l
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 sparkling
it must be. But show US in-Im
sure the Emperor will receive us,
even in his present state"
THE Emperor's state is always
magnificent" said the man. But l
rival, and will receive his commands
| concerning YOU
So the party followed the servant
into a 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 first some
| what awed by their surroundings, and
even the Scarecrow seemed impressed
as he examined the rich hangings of
silver cloth caught up into knots and
fastened 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 of the
Scarecrow seeming to be the most
prominent and carefully executed,
while a large painting of the famous
Wizard of OF. in the act of presenting
I