 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. The Ten Woodmen of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 18 The Ten Woodmen Talks to Himself The Ten Woodmen had just noticed the cupboards and was curious to know what they contained, so he went to one of them and opened the door. There were shelves inside and upon one of the shelves, which was about on level with his tin chin, the Emperor discovered a head. It looked like a doll's head only was larger and he soon saw it was the head of some person. It was facing the Ten Woodmen and as the cupboard door swung back, the eyes of the head slowly opened and looked at him. The Ten Woodmen was not at all surprised, for in the land of Oz one runs into magic at every turn. Dear me, said the Ten Woodmen, stirring heart, it seems as if I had met you somewhere before. Good morning, sir. You have the advantage of me, replied the head, I never saw you before in my life. Still, your face is very familiar, persisted the Ten Woodmen. Pardon me, but may I ask you if you ever had a body? Yes, at one time answered the head, but that is so long ago I can't remember it. Did you think, with a pleasant smile, that I was born just as I am, that a head would be created without a body? No, of course not, said the other, but how could aim you to lose your body? Well, I can't recollect the details, you'll have to ask a clip about it, returned the head. For curious as it may seem to you, my memory is not good since my separation from the rest of me. I still possess my brains and my intellect is as good as ever, but my memory of some of the events I formally experienced is quite hazy. How long have you been in this cupboard? asked the emperor. I don't know. Haven't you a name? Oh yes, said the head, I used to be called Nick Chopper when I was a Woodman and cut down trees for a living. Good gracious, cried the ten Woodman in astonishment. If you are Nick Chopper's head, then you are me, or I'm you, or what relation are we anyhow? Don't ask me, replied the head. For my part, I'm not anxious to claim relationship with any common manufactured article like you. You may be alright in your class, but your class isn't my class, you're ten. The poor emperor felt so bewildered that for a time he could only stare at his old head in silence. Then he said, I must admit that I wasn't at all bad looking before I became ten. You're almost handsome, for me, if your hair was combed you'd be quite attractive. How do you expect me to comb my hair without help? demanded the head indignantly. I used to keep it smooth and neat when I had arms, but after I was removed from the rest of me, my hair got must and old cut clip never has combed it for me. I'll speak to him about it, said the ten Woodman. Do you remember loving a pretty munchkin girl named Nimmy Ammy? No, answered the head, that is a foolish question. The heart in my body, when I had a body, might have loved someone for all I know, but a head isn't made to love, it's made to think. Oh, do you think then? I used to think. You must have been shut up in this cupboard for years and years. What have you thought about it all that time? Nothing, that's another foolish question. A little reflection will convince you that I have nothing to think about except the boards on the inside of the cupboard door. It didn't take me long to think of everything about those boards that could be thought of. Then, of course, I quit thinking. And are you happy? Happy? What's that? Don't you know what happiness is and acquired the ten Woodman? I haven't the faintest idea whether it's round or square or black or white or what it is, and if you will pardon my lack of interest in it, I will say that I don't care. The ten Woodman was much puzzled by these answers. His traveling companions had grouped themselves at his back and had fixed their eyes on the head and listened to the conversation with much interest, but until now they had not interrupted because they thought the ten Woodman had the best right to talk to his own head and their new acquaintance with it. But now the ten soldier marked... I wonder if my old head happens to be in any of these cupboards. And he proceeded to open all the cupboard doors, but no other head was to be found in any of the shelves. Oh well, never mind, said the wanderer. I can't imagine what anyone wants of a cast-off head anyhow. I can understand the soldier's interest, asserted Polychrome, dancing around the grimy workshop until her draperies formed a cloud around her dainty form. For sentimental reasons, a man might like to see his old head once more, just as one likes to visit an old home. And then to kiss it goodbye, added the scarecrow. I hope that tin thing won't try to kiss me goodbye, exclaimed the ten Woodman's former head, but I don't see what right you folks have to disturb my peace and comfort, either. You belong to me, the ten Woodman declared. I do not. You and I are one. We've been parted, asserted the head. It would be unnatural for me to have any interest in a man made of tin. Please close the door and leave me alone. I did not think that my old head could be so disagreeable, said the emperor. I am quite ashamed of myself, meaning you. You ought to be glad that I have enough sense to know what my rights are, retorted the head. In this cupboard I am leading a simple life, peaceful and dignified, and when a mob of people in whom I am not interested, disturb me, they are disagreeable ones and not I. With a sigh, the tin Woodman closed and latched the cupboard door and turned away. Well, said the tin soldier, if my old head would have treated me as coldly and in so unfriendly a manner as your old head has treated you, friend chopper, I'm glad I could not find it. Yes, I'm rather surprised at my head myself, replied the tin Woodman thoughtfully. I thought I had a more pleasant disposition when I was made of meat. But just then, Old Cucklip the Tinsmith arrived, and he seemed surprised to find so many visitors. The clip was a stout man and a short man. He had his sleeves rolled above his elbows, showing muscular arms, and he wore a leather apron that covered all the front of him and was so long that Wood was surprised he didn't step on in trip whenever he walked. And Cucklip had a gray beard that was almost as long as his apron, and his head was bald on the top, and his ears stuck out from his head like two fans. Over his eyes, which were bright and twinkling, he wore big spectacles. It was easy to see that the Tinsmith was a kind-hearted man, as well as a Marianne agreeable one. Oh ho, he cried in a joyous bass voice. There both my tin men come to visit me, and they and their friends are welcome indeed. I'm very proud of you two characters. I assure you, for you are so perfect that you're proof that I'm a good workman. Sit down, sit down all of you, if you can find anything to sit on, and tell me why you are here. So they found seats and all told him all of their adventures that they thought he would like to know. Cucklip was glad to learn that Nick Chopper, the tin woodman, was now Emperor of the Winkies, a friend of Osma of Oz, and the Tinsmith was also interested in the Scarecrow and Polychrome. He turned the straw man around, examining him curiously, and patted him on all sides and then said, You are certainly wonderful, but I think you would be more durable and steady on your legs if you were made of tin. Would you like me to— No, indeed, interrupted the Scarecrow hastily. I like myself better as I am. But to Polychrome the Tinsmith said, Nothing could improve you, my dear, for you are the most beautiful maiden I have ever seen. It is pure happiness just to look at you. That is praise indeed from so skillful a workman, replied the rainbow's daughter, laughing and dancing in and out of the room. Then it must be this boy you wish me to help, said Cucklip, looking at Woot. No, said Woot, we are not here to seek your skill, but have come merely to you for information. Then between them they related their search for Nimi Ami, whom the tin woodman explained he had resolved to marry, yet who had promised become the bride of the tin soldier before he unfortunately became rested. And when that story was told, they asked Cucklip if he knew what had become of Nimi Ami. Not exactly, replied the old man, but I know that she wept bitterly when the tin soldier did not come to marry her as he had promised to do. The old witch was so provoked at the girl's tears that she beat Nimi Ami with her crooked stick and then hobbled away to gather some magic herbs with which she intended to transform the girl into an old hag so that no one would again love her and care to marry her. It was while she was away on this errand that Dorothy's house fell on the wicked witch and she turned to dust and blew away. When I heard this good news, I sent Nimi Ami to find the silver shoes which the witch had worn, but Dorothy had taken with her to the Emerald City. Yes, we know all about these silver shoes, said the scarecrow. Well, continued Cucklip. After that, Nimi Ami decided to go away from the forest and live with some people she was acquainted with who had a house on Mount Munch. I have never seen the girl since. Do you know the name of the people on Mount Munch with whom she went to live as the tin woodsman? No, Nimi Ami did not mention her friend's name and I did not ask her. She took with her all that she could carry of the goods that were in the witch's house and she told me that I could have the rest. But when I went there, I found nothing worth taking except some magic powders that I did not know how to use and a bottle of magic glue. What is magic glue, asked Blute? It is a magic preparation with which to mend people when they cut themselves. One time on go, I cut off one of my fingers by accident and I carried it to the witch who took down her bottle and glued it on again for me. See, showing them his finger? It is as good as it ever was. No one else that I ever heard of had this magic glue and of course when Nick Chopper cut himself to pieces with his enchanted axe and Captain Fighter cut himself to pieces with his enchanted sword, the witch would not mend them or allow me to glue them together because she had herself with Italy enchanted the axe and sword. Nothing remained but for me to make them new parts out of tin. But as you see, tin bodies are a great improvement on their meat bodies. Very true, said the tin soldier. I quite agree with you, said the tin woodman. I happen to find my old head in your cupboard while going, certainly it is not as desirable ahead as the tin one I now wear. By the way, said the tin soldier, whatever became of my old head could clip out of the different parts of our bodies out of the tin woodman. Let me think a minute, replied Cuclip. If I remember right, you two boys used to bring me most of your parts and they were cut off and I saved them in that barrel in the corner. You must know I've brought me all the parts for when I made Chop-Fight I had hard work finding enough pieces to complete the job. I finally had to finish him with one arm. Who is Chop-Fight? inquired Loot. Oh, haven't I told you about Chop-Fight? exclaimed Cuclip. Of course not, he's quite a curiosity too. You'll be interested in hearing about Chop-Fight. This is how he happened. One day after the witch had been destroyed and Nimmy Ammy had gone to live with her friends on Mount Munch, I was looking around the shop for something and came upon the bottle of magic glue that I had brought from the old witch's house. It occurred to me to piece together the odds and ends of you two people which of course were just as good as ever and see if I couldn't make a man out of them. If I succeeded I would have an assistant to help me with my work and I thought it would be a clever idea to put to some practical use the scraps of Nick Chopper and Captain Fighter. There were two perfectly good heads in my cupboard and a lot of feet and legs and parts of body is in the barrel so I set to work to see what I could do. First I pieced together a body, gluing it with witch's magic glue which worked perfectly. That was the hardest part of my job however because the bodies didn't match up well and some parts were missing. But by using a piece of Captain Fighter here and a piece of Nick Chopper there I finally got together a very decent body with heart and all the trimmings complete. Whose heart did you use in making... in making as the tin would managiously... the body? I can't tell for the parts had no tags on them and one heart looks much like another. After the body was completed I glued two fine legs and feet onto it. One leg was Nick Chopper's and one was Captain Fighter's and finding one leg longer than the other I trimmed it down to make them match. I was much disappointed to find that I had but one arm. There was an extra leg in the barrel but I could find only one arm. Having glued this onto the body I was ready for the head which I had some difficulty in making up my mind which had to use. Finally I shut my eyes and reached out my hand toward the covered shelf and the first head I touched I glued upon my new mat. It was mine declared the tin soldier gloomily. No it was mine asserted the cut clip for I had given you another in exchange for it. The beautiful tin head you now wear. When the glue had dried my man was quite an interesting fellow. I named him Chop-Fight using part of Nick Chopper's name and a part of Captain Fighter's name because he was a mixture of both of your cast-off parts. Chop-Fight was interesting as I said but he did not prove a very agreeable companion. He complained bitterly as I had given him but one arm as if it were my fault and he grumbled because suit of blue munchkin clothes which I got from a neighbor did not fit him perfectly. Ah that was because he was wearing my old head I marked the tin soldier. I remember that head used to be very particular about its clothes. As an assistant the old tin-smith continued Chop-Fight was not a success. He was awkward with tools and was always hungry. He demanded something to eat six or eight times a day so I wondered if I had fitted his insights properly. Indeed Chop-Fight ate so much that little food was left for myself so when he proposed one day to go out into the world and seek adventure I was delighted to be rid of him. I even made him a tin arm to take the place of the missing one that pleased him very much so that we parted good friends. What became of Chop-Fight after that the Scarecrow inquired? I had never heard he started off towards the east into the plains of the munchkin country and that was the last I ever saw of him. Seems to me said the tin would mean reflectively that you did wrong in making a man out of our gas-top parts. It is evident that Chop-Fight could with justice claim relationship with both of us. Do not worry about that advice Ka-Clip cheerfully. It is not likely that you will ever meet the fellow and if you should meet him he doesn't know who he is made of for I never told him the secret of his manufacture Indeed you are the only ones who know of it and you may keep the secret to yourselves if you wish to. Never mind Chop-Fight said the Scarecrow our business now is to find poor Nemi-Ami and let her choose her tin husband to do that it seems from the information Ka-Clip has given us we must travel to Mount Munch. If that's the program let us start at once suggested route so they all went outside where they found polychrome dancing about among the trees and talking with the birds and laughing as merrily as if she had not lost her rainbow and so been separated from all her fairy sisters. They told her they were going to Mount Munch and she replied very well I am as likely to find my rainbow there as here and any other places as likely is there. It all depends on the weather. Do you think it looks like green? They shook their heads and polychrome laughed again and danced on after them when they resumed their journey. End of Chapter 18 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Luke Nelson The Tin Woodmen of Oz by Elfrink Baum Chapter 19 The Invisible Country They were proceeding so easily and comfortably on their way to Mount Munch that who said in a serious tone of voice I'm afraid something is going to happen. Why? asked polychrome dancing around the group of travelers. Because said the boy thoughtfully I've noticed that when we have the least reason for getting into trouble something is sure to go wrong. Just now the weather is delightful the grass is beautifully blue and quite soft to our feet. The mountain we are seeking shows clearly in the distance and there is no reason anything should happen to delay as in getting there. Our troubles all seem to be over and well that's why I'm afraid he added with the sigh Dear me remarked the scarecrow what unhappy thoughts you have to be sure this is proof that born brains cannot equal manufactured brains. For my brains dwell only on facts and never borrow trouble when there is occasion for my brains to think they think that I would be ashamed of my brains they kept shooting out thoughts that were merely fears and imaginings such as do no good but are likely to do harm. For my part said the tin woodman I do not think at all but allow my velvet heart to guide me at all times. The tin Smith filled my hollow head with scraps and clippings of tin said the soldier and he told me they would do nicely for brains but when I began to think the tin scraps rattle around and get so mixed that I'm soon bewildered so I try not to think my tin heart is almost as useless to me for it is hard and cold so I'm sure the red velvet heart of my friend Nick Chopper is a better guide. Thoughtless people are not unusual observed the scarecrow but I consider them more fortunate than those who have useless or wicked thoughts and do not try to curb them. Your oil can friend woodman is filled with oil but you only apply the oil to your joints drop by drop as you need it and do not keep spilling it where it will do no good. Thought should be your strain in the same way as your oil and only apply to when necessary and for a good purpose. Used carefully thoughts are good things to have Polychrome laughed at him for the springbows daughter knew more about thoughts than the scarecrow did but the others were so solemn feeling they had been rebuked and trapped on in silence. Suddenly Woot who was in the lead looked around and found that all his comrades had mysteriously disappeared. But where could they have gone to? The broad plain was all about him were neither trees nor bushes that could hide even a rabbit nor any hole for one to fall into. Yet there he stood alone. Surprised had caused him to halt and with thought full and puzzled expression on his face he looked down at his feet. It startled him anew to discover that he had no feet. He reached out his hands but he could not see them. He could feel his hands and arms and body. He stamped his feet on the grass and knew they were there but in some strange way they had become invisible. While Woot stood wondering a crash of metal sounding in his ears and he heard two heavy metal bodies tumble to the earth just beside him. Good gracious exclaimed the voice of the tin woodman Mercy me cried the voice of the tin soldier Why didn't you look where you were going? asked the tin woodman approachfully. I did but I couldn't see you said the tin soldier. Something has happened to my tin eyes. I can't see you even now nor can I see anyone else. It's the same way with me admitted the tin woodman. Woot couldn't see either of them although he heard them plainly and just then something smashed against him unexpectedly and hit him over but it was only the straw stuffed body of the scarecrow that fell upon him and while he could not see the scarecrow he managed to push him off and rose to his feet just as Polly Grom rolled against him and made him tumble again. Sitting upon the ground the boy asked can you see us Polly? No indeed answered the rainbow star. We've all become invisible. How did it happen to you suppose inquired the scarecrow lying where he had fallen? We have met with no enemy answered Polly Grom so it must be that this part of the country has the magic quality of making people invisible even fairies falling under the charm. We can see the grass and the flowers and the stretch of plain before us and we can still see Mount Munch and we cannot see ourselves or one another. Well, what are we to do about it? demanded Woot. I think this magic affects only a small part of the plain. Reply Polly Grom. Perhaps there is only a streak of the country where an enchantment makes people become invisible so if we get together and hold hands we can travel toward Mount Munch till the enchanted streak is passed. Alright said Woot jumping up giving your hand Polly Grom where are you? Here she answered whistle Woot and keep whistling until I come to you so Woot whistled and presently Polly Grom found him and grasped his hand. Someone must help me up said the scarecrow lying near them so they found this straw man and sat him his feet after which he felt fast to Polly Grom's other hand. Nick Chopper and the tin soldier had managed to scramble up without assistance but it was awkward for them and the tin woodman said I don't seem to stand straight somehow but my joints all work so I guess I can walk. Guided by his voice they reached his side where Woot grasped his tin fingers so they might keep together. The tin soldier was standing nearby and this scarecrow soon touched him and took hold of his arm. I hope you're not too wobbly said the straw man for if two of us walk unsteadily we will be sure to fall. I'm not wobbly the tin soldier assured him but I'm certain that one of my legs is shorter than the other I can't see it to tell what's wrong but I'll limp on with the rest of you until we are out of this enchanted territory. They now formed a line holding hands and turning their faces toward Mount Munch resumed their journey. They had not gone far however when a terrible growl saluted their ears. The sound seemed to come from a place just in front of him so they halted abruptly and remained silent listening with all their ears. I smell straw cried a hoarse harsh voice with more growls and snarls. I smell straw and I'm a hip-hop guy who loves straw and eats all he can find. I want to eat this straw. Where is it? Where is it? The scarecrow hearing this trembled but kept silent. All the others were silent too but the invisible beast would be unable to find them but the creature sniffed the odor of the straw and drew nearer and nearer to them until he reached the tin woodman on one end of the line. It was a big beast and it smelled of the tin woodman and grated two rows of enormous teeth against the emperor's tin body. Bah! That's not straw! said the harsh voice the beast advanced along the line to wood. Meat! Poo! You're no good! I can't eat meat! grumbled the beast and passed on to Polychrome. Sweet meats and perfume cobwebs and dew nothing to eat in a fairy like you said the creature. Now the scarecrow is next to Polychrome in the line. He realized if the beast devoured his straw he would be helpless for a long time because the last farmhouse was far behind them and only grass covered the vast expanse of plain. So in his fright he let go of Polychrome's hand and put the hand of the tin soldier in that of the rainbow's daughter. Then he slipped back up the line and went to the other end where he silently sees the tin woodman's hand. Meantime the beast had smelled the tin soldier and found he was the last of the line. That's funny, grumbled the hypocrite. I can smell straw but I can't find it. I'll tear somewhere and I must hunt around until I do find it for I'm hungry. His voice was now at the left of them so they started on hoping to avoid him and traveled as fast as they could in the direction of Mount Munch. I don't like this invisible country, said Moot with a shudder. We can't tell how many dreadful invisible beasts are roaming around us or what danger will come to next. Good thinking about danger please, said the scarecrow warningly. Why, asked the boy. If you think of some dreadful thing it's liable to happen but if you don't think of it and no one else thinks of it what will happen? Do you see? No, answered Moot. I won't be able to see much of anything until we escape from this enchantment but they got out of the invisible strip of country as suddenly as they had entered it and the instant they got out they stopped short for just before them was a deep ditch running at right angles as far as their eyes could see and stopping off for their progress It's not so very wide, said Moot but I'm sure none of us can jump across it. Polly Crone began to laugh and the scarecrow said what's the matter? Look at the tin men, she said with another burst of merry laughter. Moot and the scarecrow looked and the tin men looked at it themselves. It was the collision, said the tin women regretfully. I knew something was wrong with me now I can see that my side is dented in so that I leap over toward the left It was the soldier's fault he shouldn't have been so careless. It is your fault that my right leg is bent, making it shorter than the others so that I limp badly, retorted the soldier you shouldn't have stood where I was walking you shouldn't have walked where I was standing replied the tin women It was almost a coral so Polly Crone said soothingly Never mind friends as soon as we have time I am sure we can straighten the soldier's leg and get the dent out of the wood men's body. The scarecrow needs padding into shape too for he had a bad tumble but our first task is to get over this ditch. Yes the ditch is the most important thing just now. They were standing in a row looking hard at the unexpected barrier when a fierce growl from behind made them all turn quickly Out of the invisible country marched a huge beast with a thick, leathery skin and a surprisingly long neck The head on the top of this neck was broad and flat and the eyes and mouth were very big and the nose and ears very small When the head was drawn down toward the beast's shoulders the neck was all wrinkles but the head could shoot up very high indeed if the creature wished it to. Dear me exclaimed the scarecrow this must be the Hippocarafe Quite right said the beast and you're the straw which I'm going to eat for my dinner. Oh how I love straw. I hope you don't resent my affectionate appetite With its four great legs it advanced straight towards the scarecrow but the tin woodman and the tin soldier both were in front of their friend and flourished their weapons. Keep off said the tin woodman warningly or I'll chop you with my axe Keep off said the tin soldier or I'll cut you with my sword Would you really do that asked the Hippocarafe in a disappointed voice We would they both replied and the tin woodman added the scarecrow is our friend and he would be useless without his straw stuffing so as we are comrades faithful and true we will defend our friends stuffing against all enemies the Hippocarafe sat down and looked at them sorrowfully when one has made up his mind to have a meal of straw and then finds he can't have it it is certainly hard luck he said and what good is this straw man to you or to himself when the ditch keeps you from going any farther well we can go back again suggested wood true said the Hippocarafe and if you do you'll be as disappointed as I am at some comfort anyhow the travelers looked at the beast then they looked across the ditch at the level plain beyond on the other side the grass had grown tall and the sun had dried it so there was a fine crop of hay that only needed to be cut and stacked why don't you cross over and eat the hay the boy asked the beast I'm not fond of hay replied the Hippocarafe straw is much more delicious than mine ocean and it's more scarce in this neighborhood too also I must confess that I can't get across the ditch for my body is too heavy and clumsy for me to jump the distance I can stretch my neck across though and you will notice that I've nibbled the hay on the farther edge not because I liked it but because one must eat and if one can't get the sort of food he desires he must take what is offered or go hungry ah I see you are a philosopher remarked the scarecrow no I'm just a Hippocarafe was the reply polychrome was not afraid of the big beast she danced close to him and said if you can stretch your neck across the ditch why not help us over you can sit on your big head one at a time then you can lift us across yes I can it is true answered the hippo but I refuse to do it unless he added and stopped short unless what allowed polychrome unless you allow me to eat the straw with which this scarecrow is stuffed no said the rainbow's daughter that is too high a price to pay our friend straw is nice and fresh for it was restuffed only a little while ago I know agreed the Hippocarafe that's why I want it if it was old musty straw I wouldn't care for it please lift us across pleaded polychrome no replied the beast since you refuse my generous offer I can be as stubborn as you are after that they were all silent for a time but then the crow said bravely friends let us agree to the beast's terms give him my straw and carry the rest of me with you across the ditch once on the other side the tin soldier can cut some of the hay with his sharp sword and you can stuff me with that material until we reach a place where there is straw it is true that I have been stuffed with straw all my life it will be somewhat humiliating to be filled with common hay but I am willing to sacrifice my pride in a good cause moreover to abandon our errand and so deprive the great emperor of the winkeys or this noble soldier of his bride would be equally humiliating if not more so you're a very honest and clever man exclaimed the Hippocarafe admiringly when I have eaten your head perhaps I will also become clever you're not to eat my head you now return the scarecrow hastily my head isn't stuffed with straw and I cannot part with it when one loses his head he loses his brains very well then you may keep your head said the beast the scarecrow's companions thanked him warmly for his loyal sacrifice to their mutual good and then he laid down permitted them to pull this straw from his body as fast as they did this the Hippocarafe ate up this straw and when all was consumed Polychrome made a neat bundle of the clothes and boots and gloves and hat and said she would carry them while Woot tucked the scarecrow's head under his arm and promised to guard its safety now then said the tin woodman keep your promise beast and lift us over the ditch but that was a fine dinner said the hippo smacking his thick lips in satisfaction and I'm as good as my word sit on my head one at a time and I'll land you safely on the other side he approached close to the edge of the ditch and squatted down Polychrome climbed over his big body and sat herself lightly on the flat head holding the bundle of the scarecrow's raiment in her hand slowly the elastic neck stretched out until it reached the far side of the ditch when the beast lowered his head and permitted the beautiful fairy to leap to the ground Woot made the queer journey next and then the tin soldier and then the tin woodman went over and all were well pleased have overcome the serious barrier to their progress now soldier cut the hay said the scarecrow's head which was still held by Woot the wanderer I'd like to but I can't stoop over with my bent leg without falling replied captain fighter what can we do about the leg anyhow asked Woot feeling to Polychrome she danced around his circle several times without replying and the boy feared she had not heard him but the rainbow's daughter was merely thinking upon the problem and presently she paused beside the tin soldier and said I've been taught a little fairy magic but I've never been asked to mend tin likes with it so I'm not sure I can help you it all depends on the goodwill of my unseen fairy guardians so I'll try and if I fail you will be no worse off than you are now she danced around the circle again then laid both hands upon the twisted tin leg and sang in her sweet voice fairy powers come to my aid this bent leg of tin is made make it straight and strong and true and I'll render thanks to you ah murmured captain fighter in a glad voice as she withdrew her hands and danced away and they saw he was standing straight as ever because his leg was as shapely and strong as it had been before his accident the tin woodman had watched Polychrome with much interest and he now said please take the dent out of my side Poly where I am more crippled than was the soldier so the rainbow's daughter touched his side quietly and sang here's a dent by accident such a thing was never meant fairy powers a wondrous grate make our dear tin woodman straight good cried the emperor again standing erect and strutting around to show his fine figure your fairy magic may not be able to accomplish all things sweet Polychrome but or splendidly on tin much the hay the hay bleated the scarecrow's head oh yes the hay said woot what are you waiting for captain fighter at once the tin soldier set to work cutting hay with his sword and in a few minutes there was quite enough with which to stuff the scarecrow's body woot and Polychrome did this and it was no easy task because the hay packed their more than straw and as they had little experience in such work their job when completed left the scarecrow's arms and legs rather bunchy also there was a hump on his back which made woot laugh say it reminded him of a camel but it was the best they could do and when the head was fastened onto the body they asked how the scarecrow felt heavy and not quite natural he cheerfully replied I'll get along somehow until we reach a straw stack don't laugh at me please because I'm a little ashamed of myself and I don't want to regret a good action they started at once in the direction of mount munch and as the scarecrow proved very clumsy in his movements woot took one of his arms together and so helped their friend to walk in a straight line and the rainbow's daughter as before danced ahead of them and behind them and all around them and they ever minded her odd ways because to them she was like a ray of sunshine End of Chapter 19 This is a livery box recording all livery box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverybox.org this reading by Luke Nelson The Tin Woodmen of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 20 Overnight the land of the munchkins is full of surprises as our travelers had already learned and although mount munch was constantly growing larger as they advanced toward it, they knew it was still a long way off and were not certain by any means that they had escaped all danger or encountered their last adventure The plain was broad and as far as the eye could see there seemed to be a level stretch of country between them and the mountain but toward evening they came upon a hollow in which stood a tiny blue munch kin dwelling with a green around it and fields of grain filling in all the rest of the hollow they did not discover this place until they came close to the edge of it because they were astonished at the sight that greeted them because they had imagined that this part of the plain had no inhabitants it's a very small house who declared I wonder who lives there the way to find out is to knock on the door and ask replied the tin woodman perhaps it is the home of Nimi Ami is she a dwarf asked the boy no indeed Nimi Ami is a full size woman then I'm sure she couldn't live in that little house said woot let's go down suggested this scarecrow I'm almost sure I can see a straw stack in the backyard they descended the hollow which was rather steep at the sides and soon came to the house which was indeed rather small woot knocked upon a door that was not much higher than his waist but got no reply he knocked again but not a sound was heard smoke is coming out of the chimney announced Polly Chrome who is dancing lightly through the garden where cavages and beets and turnips are growing finally then someone surely lives here said woot and knocked again now a window at the side of the house opened and a queer head appeared it was white and hairy and had a long snout and little round eyes the ears were hidden by a blue sun bonnet tied under the chin oh it's a pig exclaimed woot pardon me I am Miss Squillena Swine wife of Professor Drenters Swine and this is our home said the one in the window what do you want what sort of a professor is your husband inquired the tin woodman curiously he is professor of cabbage culture and corn perfection he is very famous in his own family and would be the wonder of the world if he went abroad said Mrs. Swine in a voice that was half proud of your irritable I must also inform you intruders that the professor is a dangerous individual for he files his teeth every morning until they are sharp as needles if you are butchers you'd better run away and avoid trouble we are not butchers the tin woodman assured her then what are you doing with that axe and why has the other tinman a sword they are the only weapons we have to defend our friends from their enemies he explained the Emperor of the Winkies and Woot added do not be afraid of us Mrs. Swine for we are harmless travelers the tin men in the Scarecrow never eat anything and Polychrome feasts only on dew drops as for me I'm rather hungry but there is plenty of food in your garden to satisfy me Professor Swine now joined his wife to the window looking rather scared in spite of the boys assuring speech he wore a blue munchkin hat with pointed crowned and broad brim and baked spectacles covered his eyes he peeked around from behind his wife and after looking hard at the strangers he said my wisdom assures me that you are merely travelers as you say and not butchers butchers have reason to be afraid you are safe he cannot invite you in for you are too big for our house but the boy who eats is welcome to all the carrots and turnips he wants make yourselves at home in the garden and stay all night if you like then in the morning you must go away for we are quiet people and do not care for company may I have some of your straw asked the Scarecrow help yourself for pigs they are quite respectable remarked Woot as they all went toward the stocked straw stack I'm glad they didn't invite us in said Captain Fighter I hope I'm not too particular about my associates but I draw the line at pigs the Scarecrow was glad to be rid of his hay for during the long walk it sagged down and made him fat and squatty more bumpy than at first I'm not especially proud he said but I love a manly figure such as only straw stuffing can create I've not felt like myself since that Hungry Hippo ate my last straw Polychroman Woot set to work removing the hay and then they selected the finest straw Crispin Golden and with it stuffed the Scarecrow he certainly looked better after the operation and he was so pleased at being reformed that he tried to dance little jig and almost succeeded I shall sleep under this straw set tonight Woot decided after he had eaten some of the vegetables from the garden and in fact he slept very well with the two tin men in the Scarecrow sitting silently beside him and Polychrome away somewhere in the moonlight dancing her fairy dances at daybreak the tin wood men and the tin soldier took occasion to polish their bodies and oil their joints for both were exceedingly careful of their personal appearance they had forgotten the coral due to their accidental bumping of one another the event invisible country and being now good friends the tin wood men polished the tin soldiers back for breakfast the wanderer ate crisp lettuce and radishes and the rainbow stutter who had now returned to her friends sipped the dew drops that had formed on the petals of the wild flowers as they passed the little house to renew their journey Woot called out goodbye Mr. and Mrs. Swine the window open and the two pigs looked out pleasant journey said the professor have you any children asked the Scarecrow who was a great friend of children we have nine answered the professor but they do not live with us for when they were tiny piglets the wizard of Oz came here and offered to care for them and to educate them so we let him have our nine tiny piglets for he's a good wizard and can be relied upon to keep his promises I know the nine tiny piglets said the tin wood men so do I said the Scarecrow they still live in the emerald city and the wizard takes care of them and teaches them to do all sorts of tricks did they ever grow up inquired Miss William Swine in an anxious voice no answered the Scarecrow like all other children in the land they will always remain children and in the case of the tiny piglets that is a good thing because they would not be nearly so cute and cunning if they were bigger but are they happy everyone in the emerald city is happy said the tin wood men they can't help it then the travelers said goodbye and climbed the side of the basin that was toward mount munch end of chapter 20 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Luke Nelson the Tin Wood Men of Oz by L. Frank Baum chapter 21 Polychromes Magic on this morning which ought to be the last of this important journey our friends started away as bright and cheery as could be and who whistled a merry tune so that Polychrome could dance to the music on reaching the top of the hill the plane spread out before them in all its beauty of blue grasses and wild flowers and mount munch seemed much near than it had the previous evening they trudged on at a brisk pace and by noon the mountain was so close that they could admire its appearance its slopes were partly clothed with pretty evergreens and its foothills were toughed with a slender waving blue grass that had a tassel on the end of every blade and for the first time they perceived near the foot of the mountain a charming house of great size but neatly painted with many flowers surrounding it and vines climbing over the doors and windows it was toward this solitary house that our travelers now directed their steps thinking to inquire of the people who lived there where nimi-ami might be found there were no paths but the way was quite open and clear it was quite near to the dwelling when wuthe-wander who was then in the lead of the little party halted with such an abrupt jerk that he stumbled over backward and lay flat on his back in the meadow the scarecrow stopped to look at the boy why did you do that he asked in surprise wuthe sat up and gazed around him in amazement I... I don't know he replied men, arm in arm started to pass them when they both halted and tumbled with a great clatter into a heap beside wuthe polychrome, laughing at this a burst sight came dancing up and she also came to his sight and stopped but managed to save herself from falling every one of them was much astonished and the scarecrow said with a puzzled look I couldn't see anything nor I said wuthe but something hit me just the same some invisible person struck me a heavy blow declared the tin woodman struggling to separate himself from the tin soldier whose legs and arms were mixed with his own I'm not sure it was a person said polychrome looking more grave than usual it seems to me that I merely ran into some hard substance which barred my way in order to make sure of this let me try another place she ran back away and then with much caution advanced in a different place but when she reached a position on a line with the others she halted her arms outstretched before her I can feel something hard something smooth as glass she said but I'm sure it is not glass let me try suggested wuthe getting up but when he tried to go forward he discovered the same barrier that polychrome had encountered no he said it isn't glass but what is it air replied a small voice beside him solid air that's all they all looked downward and found a sky blue rabbit had stuck its head out of the burrow in the ground the rabbit's eyes were a deeper blue than his fur and the pretty creatures seemed friendly and unafraid air exclaimed wuthe staring an astonishment into the rabbit's blue eyes whoever heard of air so solid that one cannot push it aside you can't push this air aside declared the rabbit for it was made hard by a powerful sorcery and it forms a wall that is intended to keep people from getting to that house yonder oh it's a wall is it said the tin woodman yes it's really a wall answered the rabbit and is fully six feet thick how high is it inquired captain fighter the tin soldier oh ever so high perhaps a mile said the rabbit couldn't we go around it wuthe of course for the wall is in a circle explained the rabbit in the center of the circle stands the house so you may walk around the wall of solid air but you can't get to the house who put the air wall around the house was the scarecrow's question nimi ami did that nimi ami they all exclaimed in surprise yes answered the rabbit she used to live with an old witch who was suddenly destroyed and when nimi ami ran away from the witch's house she took with her just one magic formula pure sorcery it was which enabled her to build this air wall around her house the house yonder it was quite a clever idea i think for it doesn't matter the beauty of the landscape, solid air being invisible yet it keeps all strangers away from the house does nimi ami live there now asked the tin that woodman anxiously yes indeed said the rabbit and does she weep and wail from morning till night continued the emperor no she seems quite happy asserted the rabbit the tin woodman seemed quite disappointed to hear this report of his old sweetheart but the scarecrow reassured his friend saying never mind your majesty however happy nimi ami is now i'm sure she will be much happier as empress of the winkies perhaps said captain fighters somewhat stiffly she will still be more happy to become the bride of a tin soldier she shall choose between us as we have agreed the tin woodman promised but how shall we get to the poor girl the chrome although dancing lightly back and forth had listened to every word of the conversation now she came forward and sat herself down just in front of the blue rabbit her many huge draperies giving her the appearance of some beautiful flower the rabbit didn't back away an inch instead he gazed at the rainbow's daughter admiringly does your burrow go underneath this swallow bear asked polychrome to be sure answered the blue rabbit i dug it that way so i could roam in these broad fields by going out one way or eat cabbages in nimi ami's garden by leaving my burrow at the other end i don't think nimi ami ought to mind the little i take from her garden or the hole i've made under her magic wall a rabbit may go and count as he pleases but no one who is bigger than i am could get through my burrow will you allow us to pass through it if we are able to inquire of polychrome yes indeed answered the blue rabbit i'm no special friend of nimi ami for once she threw stones at me just because i was nibbling some lettuce and only yesterday she yelled shoo at me which made me nervous you're welcome to use my burrow in any way you choose but this is all nonsense declared woot the wanderer we are every one too big to crawl through a rabbit's burrow we are too big now but you must remember that polychrome is a fairy fairies have magic powers woots face bright and as he turned to the lovely daughter of the rainbow how small is that rabbit he asked eagerly i can try answered polychrome with a smile and presently she did it so easily that woot was not the only one astonished as the now tiny people grouped themselves together before the rabbit's burrow the hole appeared to them like the entrance to a tunnel which indeed it was i'll go first said we polychrome who had made her self grow as small as the others and into the tunnel she danced without hesitation tiny scarecrow went next and then the two funny little tin men walk in it's your turn said the blue rabbit to woot the wanderer i'm coming after to see how you get along this will be a regular surprise party to nimi ami so woot entered the hole and felt his way along his sides in the dark until he finally saw the glimmer of daylight ahead and knew the journey was almost over had he remained his natural size the distance could have been covered in a few steps but to a thumb high woot it was quite a promenade when he emerged from the burrow he found himself but a short distance from the house in the center of the vegetable garden where the leaves of rhubarb wavy above his head seemed like trees outside the hole and waiting for him he found all his friends so far so good remarked the scarecrow cheerfully yes so far but no farther returned the tin woodman in a plaintive and disturbed tone of voice i am now close to nimi ami who might have come ever so far to seek i will ask the girl to marry such a little man as i am now i'm no bigger than a toy soldier said captain fighter sorrowfully unless polychrome can make us big again there is little use in our visiting nimi ami at all for i'm sure she wouldn't care for a husband she might carelessly step on and ruin polychrome laughed merrily make you big you can't get out of here again said she and if you remain little nimi ami will laugh at you so make your choice i think we'd better go back said woot seriously no said the tin woodman stoutly i have decided that it is my duty to make nimi ami happy in case she wishes to marry me so have i announced captain fighter a good soldier never shrinks from doing his duty as for that said the scarecrow tin doesn't shrink to any to speak of under any circumstances but woot and i intend to stick to our comrades whatever they decide to do so we will ask polychrome to make us as big as we were before polychrome agreed to this request and in half a minute all of them including herself had been enlarged into their natural sizes they then thanked the blue rabbit for his kind assistance and at once approached the house of nimi ami this is a livery vox recording all livery vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liveryvox.org this reading by luke nelson the tin woodman of oz by elf rink bomb chapter 22 nimi ami we may be sure that at this moment our friends were all anxious to see the end of the adventure that had caused them so many trials and troubles perhaps the tin woodman's heart did not beat any faster because it was made of red velvet and stuffed with sawdust and the tin soldier's heart was made of tin and reposed in his tin bosom without a hint of emotion however there is little doubt that they both knew that a critical moment in their lives had arrived and that nimi ami's decision was destined to influence the future of one or the other as they assumed their natural sizes and the rhubarb leaves that had before towered above their heads now barely covered their feet they looked around the garden and found no person was visible save themselves no sound of activity came from the house either but they walked to the front door which had a little porch built before it and there the two tin men stood side by side while both knocked upon the door of the tin knuckles as no one seemed eager to answer the summons they knocked again and then again finally they heard a stir from within and someone coughed who's there called a girl's voice it is I tried the tin twins together how did you get there asked the voice they hesitated how to reply so we would answer for them by means of magic oh said the unseen girl are you friends or foes friends they all exclaimed then they heard footsteps approach the door which slowly opened and revealed a very pretty munchkin girl standing in the doorway nimi yami cried the tin twins that's my name replied the girl looking at them in cold surprise but who can you be don't you know me nimi said the tin woodman I'm your old sweetheart nick chopper don't you know me my dear said the tin soldier I'm your old sweetheart captain fighter nimi yami smiled at them both then she looked beyond them at the rest of the party and smiled again however she seemed more amused than pleased come in she said leading the way inside even sweethearts are forgotten after time but you and your friends are welcome the room they now entered was cozy and comfortable being neatly furnished and well swept and dusted but they found someone there besides nimi yami man dressed in the attractive munchkin costume was lazily reclining an easy chair and he sat up and turned his eyes on the visitors with a cold and indifferent stare that was almost insolent he did not even rise from his seat to greet the strangers but after glaring at them he looked away with a scow as if they were of too little importance to interest him the tin men returned with this man's stare with interest because they did not look away from him neither of them seemed able to take his eyes off this munchkin it was remarkable in having one tin arm quite like their own tin arms seems to me said captain fighter and a voice that sounded harsh and indignant that you sir are a vile imposter gently gently cautioned the scarecrow to strangers captain rude shouted the tin soldier now very much provoked while he's a scoundrel a thief the villain is wearing my own head yes said the tin wudgeon and he's wearing my right arm I can recognize it by the two words on the little finger good gracious exclaimed rude then this must be the man who rolled a clip patched with another name chop fight the man now turned toward them still scowling yes that is my name he said in a voice like a growl and it is absurd for you tin creatures or for anyone else to claim my head or arm or any part of me for they are my personal property you you're nobody shouted captain fighter you're just a mix up damper now now gentlemen interrupted nanny amy I must ask you to be more respectful to poor chop fight for being my guests it is not polite for you to insult my husband your husband the tin twins exclaimed in dismay yes said she I married chop fight a long time ago because my other two sweet hearts had deserted me this reproof embarrassed both nick chopper and captain fighter they looked down shame face for a moment and then the tin would have been explained in an earnest voice I rested so did I said the tin soldier I could not know that of course asserted nanny amy all I knew was that neither of you came to marry me as you had promised to do but men are not scarce in the land of Oz after I came here to live I met Mr. Chop fight and he was more interesting because he reminded me strongly of both of you as you were before you came tin even had a tin arm and that reminded me of you even more no wonder remarked the scare crow but listen nanny amy said the astonished he really is both of them for he is made of their cast off parts oh you're quite wrong declared polychrome laughing for she was greatly enjoying the confusion of the others the tin men are still themselves as they will tell you so chop fight must be someone else they looked at her bewildered for the facts in the case were too puzzling to be grasped at once it is all the fault of old clip muttered the tin woodman he had no right to use our cast off parts to make another man win it seems he did however said nanny amy calmly and I married him because he resembled you both I won't say he is a husband to be proud of because he has a mixed nature and isn't always an agreeable companion there are times when I have shyed him gently both with my tongue and with my broomstick but he is my husband and I must make the best of him if you don't like him suggested the tin woodman captain fighter and I can chop him up with our axe and sword and each take such parts of the fellow as belong to him then we are willing for you to select one of us as your husband that is a good idea approved captain fighter drawing his sword no said nanny amy I think I'll keep the husband I now have he is now trained to draw the water and carry in the wood and hoe the cavages and weed the flowerbeds and dust the furniture and perform many tasks of a like character a new husband would have to be scolded and gently chided until he learns my ways so I think it will be better to keep my chop fight and I see no reason why you should object to him you too gentlemen threw him away when you became tin because you had no further use for him so you cannot justly claim him now I advise you go back to your own homes and forget me as I have forgotten you good advice left polychrome dancing are you happy? asked the tin soldier this I am said nanny amy I'm the mistress of all I survey the queen of my little domain wouldn't you like to be the empress of the weanies? asked the tin woodman mercy no she answered that would be a lot of bother I don't care for society or pomp proposing all I ask is to be left alone and not to be annoyed by visitors this character nudged Woot the wanderer that sounds to me like a hint he said looks as if we'd had our journey for nothing remarked Woot who was a little ashamed and disappointed because he had proposed the journey I am glad however said the tin woodman that I have found nanny amy and discovered that she is already married and happy it will relieve me of any further anxiety concerning her for my part said the tin soldier I am not sorry to be free the only thing that really annoys me is finding my head upon chop fight's body as for that I'm pretty sure it is my body or part of it anyway remarked the emperor of the weanies but never mind friend soldier let us be willing to donate our cast off members to ensure the happiness of nanny amy thankful it is not our fate to hoe cabbages and draw water and be chided in the place of this creature chop fight yes to greet the soldier we have much to be thankful for polychrome who had wandered outside now poked her pretty head through an open window and exclaimed in a pleased voice it's getting cloudy perhaps it is going to rain and of chapter 22 this is a livery box recording all livery box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverybox.org this reading by loop nelson the tin wooden in a vase by elf rink bomb chapter 23 through the tunnel it didn't rain just then although the clouds in the sky grew thicker and more threatening polychrome hoped for a thunder storm followed by a rainbow but the two tin men did not relish the idea of getting wet they even preferred to remain in nanny amy's house although they felt they were not welcome there rather than go out and face the coming storm but the scarecrow who was a very thoughtful person said to his friends if we remain here until after the storm and polychrome goes away on her rainbow then we will be prisoners inside the wall of solid air so it seems best to start upon our return journey at once if I get wet my straw stuffing will be ruined and if you two tin gentlemen get wet you may perhaps rest again and become useless but even that is better than to stay here once we are free of the barrier we have the wanderer to help us and he can oil your joints and restuff my body if it becomes necessary for the boy is made of meat which neither rests nor gets soggy or moldy come along then cried polychrome from the window and the others realizing the wisdom of the scarecrow's speech took leave of nanny amy who was glad to be rid of them and said goodbye to her husband who merely scowled and made no answer then they hurried from the house your old parts are not very polite I must say remarked the scarecrow when they were in the garden no said woot chop fight is a regular grouch he might have wished us a pleasant journey at the very least I beg you not to hold us responsible for that creature's actions pleaded the tin woodman we are through with chop fight and shall have nothing further to do with him polychrome danced ahead of the party and led them straight to the burrow of the blue rabbit which they might have had some difficulty in finding without her there she lost no time in making them all small again the blue rabbit was busy nibbling cabbage leaves and nanny amy's garden so they did not ask for his permission but at once entered the burrow even now the rain drops were beginning to fall but it was quite dry inside the tunnel and by the time they had reached the other end outside the circular wall of solid air the storm was at its height and the rain was coming down in turns let us wait here proposed polychrome peering out of the hole and then quickly retreating the rainbow won't appear until after the storm and I can make you big again in a jiffy before I join my sisters on our bow that's a good plan, said the scaricrow approvingly it will save me from getting soaked in soggy it will save me from resting, said the tin soldier it will enable me to remain highly polished said the tin woodman oh as for that I am sure not to get my pretty cloth sweat left the rainbow's daughter but while we wait I must bid you all adieu I must also thank you for saving me from that dreadful giantess, mrs. you you have been good and patient comrades and I have enjoyed our adventures together but I am never so happy as when on my dear rainbow will your father scold you for getting left on the earth asked Lute I suppose so, said polychrome gaily I am always getting scolded for my mad pranks as they are called my sisters are so sweet and lovely and proper that they never dance off our rainbow and so they never have any adventures adventures to me are good fun only I never like to stay too long on earth because I really don't belong here I shall tell my father the rainbow that I will try not to be so careless again and he will forgive me because in our sky mansions there is always joy and happiness they were indeed sorry to part with their dainty and beautiful companion and assured her of their devotion if they ever chance to meet again she shook hands with the scarecrow and the tin whip and kissed Lute the wander lightly upon his forehead then the rain suddenly ceased and as the tiny people left the burrow of the blue rabbit a glorious big rainbow appeared in the sky and the end of its arc slowly descended and touched the ground just where they stood Lute was so busy watching a score of lovely maidens sisters of polychrome who were leaning over the edge of the bow and another score who danced gaily amid the radiance of the splendid hues that you did not notice he was growing big again but now polychrome joined her sisters on the rainbow and the huge arch lifted and slowly melted away as the sun burst from the clouds and sent its own white beams dancing over the meadows why she's gone exclaimed the boy and turned to see his companion still waving their hands in token of adieu to the vanished polychrome This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Lute Nelson Chapter 24 The Curtain Falls Well, the rest of the story is quickly told for the return journey of our adventures was without any important incident The Scarecrow was so afraid of meeting the Hippocaraf and having a straw-e in again that he urged his comrades to select another route to the Emerald City and they willingly consented and visible country was wholly avoided Of course when they reached the Emerald City their first duty was to visit Osma's Palace where they were royally entertained The Tin Soldier and the Wander were welcomed as warmly as any strangers might be who had been traveling companions of Osma's dear old friends to Scarecrow and the Tin Woodmen At the banquet table that evening they interlated the manner in which they had discovered Nimi Ami and told how they had found her happily married to Chop-Fight whose relationship to Nick Chopper and Captain Fighter was so bewildering that they asked Osma advice what to do about it You need not consider Chop-Fight at all, replied the beautiful rural ruler of Oz If Nimi Ami is content yet mad for a husband we have not even just caused to blame Cuck-Clip for gluing him together I think it was a very good idea added little Dorothy for if Cuck-Clip hadn't used your cast-off parts they would have been wasted It's wicked to be wasteful isn't it Well, anyhow said Woot the Wander Chop-Fight being kept a prisoner by his wife is too far away from anyone to bother either of you to tin men in any way If you hadn't gone where he is and discovered him you would never have worried about him What do you care anyhow Betsy Boggin asked the tin Wootman so long as Nimi Ami is satisfied And just to think from our tiny trot that any girl would rather live a mixture like Chop-Fight on far away Mount Munch than to be the Empress of the Winkies It is her own choice said the tin Wootman contentedly and after all I'm not sure the Winkies would care to have an Empress It puzzled Osna for a time to decide what to do with the tin soldier If he went with the tin Wootman to the Emperor's castle she felt that the two tin men might not be able to live together in harmony and moreover the Emperor would not be so distinguished if he had a double constantly beside him So she asked Captain Fighter if he was willing to serve her as a soldier and he promptly declared that nothing would please him more After he had been in her service for some time Osna sent him into the Gilliken country with instructions to keep among the wild people who inhabit some parts of that unknown country of Oz As for Woot being a wanderer by profession he was allowed to wander wherever he desired and Osna promised to keep watch over his future journeys and to protect the boy as well as she was able in case he ever got into more trouble All this having been happily arranged the tin Wootman returned to his tin castle and his chosen comrade the Scarecrow accompanied him on the way The two friends were sure to pass many pleasant hours together in talking over their recent adventures for as they neither ate nor slept they found their greatest amusement in conversation