The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-07-12
DIR. NIKIDIK,S FAMOUS WISHING



The Tin Woodman was usually a
peaceful man, but when occasion re-
Quired he could fight as fiercely as
Roman gladiator. So, when the Jack
DAVIS nearly knocked him down in
their rush of wings, and their sharp
beaks and claws threatened to dam
age his brilliant plating, the Wood
man picked up his axe and made II
whirl swiftly around his head.
But altho many were beaten off in
this way, the birds were so numerous
and so brave that they continued tSe
attack as furiously as before. Some
of them pecked at the eyes of the
Gump, which hung over the nest in
a helpless condition; but the Gump's
eyes were of glass and could not be
injured. Others of the Jackdaws
rushed at the Saw-Horse; but that
animal, being still upon his back,
kicked out so viciously with his wood
en- legs that he beat off as many as
sailants as did the Woodman's axe.
Finding themselves thus opposed.
the birds fell upon the Scarecrow's
straw, which lay at the center of the
nest, covering Tip and the Woggle-
Bug and Jacks pumpkin head. and
began tearing it away and flying off
with it. only to let it drop, straw by
straw into the great gulf beneath.
The Scarecrow's head, noting with
dismay this wanton destruction of his
interior. cried to the Tin Woodman to
save him; and that good friend re-
sponded with renewed energy. His
axe fairly flashed among the jack
davis, and fortunately the Gump be-
gan wildly waving the two wings re-
naming on the left side of its body.
The fiutter of these great wings filled
the Jackdaws with terror, and when
the Gump by its exertions freed it
self from the peg of rock on which it
hung, and sank Topping into the nest,
the alarm of the birds knew n d,
bounds and they fled screaming over
the mountains.
When the last foe had disap-
peared, Tip crawled from under the
sofas and assisted the Woggle-Bug to
follow him.
We are saved" shouted the boy,
delightedly.
I'VE are, indeed" responded the
Educated Insect. fairly hugging the
stiff head of the Gump in his joy;
and We owe 1t all to the Hopping of
the Thing and the good axe of the
Woodmani"
IF 1 am saved, get me out of here!"
called Jack, whose head was still be-
meath the sofas; and Tip managed to
roll the pumpkin out and place 1t
upon its neck again. He also set the
Saw-Horse upright, and said to it:
We owe you many thanks for the
Il really think we have escaped
very nicely" remarked the Tin Wood
man. in tone of pride.
Not sol" exclaimed a hollow voice.
At this they all turned in surprise
to look at the Scarecrow's head, which
lay at the back of the nest.
II am completely ruinedr declared
the Scarecrow, as he noted their as
constituent. For where is the straw
that stuffs my body?"
The awful question startled them all.
They gazed around the nest with hor-
ror, for not a vestige of straw re-
manned. The Jackdaws had stolen it
to the last wisp and flung it all into
the chasrn that yawned for hundreds
of feet beneath the nest.
My poor. poor friend" said the Tin
Woodman, taking up the Scarecrow's
head and caressing it tenderly; who
this untimely end?"
Il did it to save my friends" re-
turned the head; "and 1 am glad
that I persisted in so noble and un-
selfish a manner"
But why are you all so despon-
dent?" inquired the Woggle-Bug
The Scarecrow's clothing is still
safe"
Yes" answered the Tin woodman;
without stuffing"
why not stuff him with money ?"
asked Tip.
Money!" they all cried, in an
amazed chrous.
ITO be sure" said the boy. I'm the
bottom of the nest are thousands of
dollar bills-and two-dollar bills-and
five-dollar bills -a and ters, and
twenties. and fifties. There ara cough