 The Scarecrow of Oz. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Forward read by Scott Sherris, Atlanta, Georgia. The Scarecrow of Oz. Dedicated to the uplifters of Los Angeles, California, in grateful appreciation of the pleasure I have derived from association with them, and in recognition of their sincere endeavor to uplift humanity through kindness, consideration, and good fellowship, they are big men, all of them, and all with the generous hearts of little children. L. Frank Baum. The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Twixed you and me. The army of children which besieged the post office, conquered the postmen, and delivered to me its imperious commands, and insisted that Trot and Captain Bill be admitted to the land of Oz, where Trot could enjoy the society of Dorothy, Betsy Bobbin, and Osma, while the one-legged sailor man might become a comrade of the Tin Woodman, the Shaggy Man, Tick Tock, and all the other quaint people who inhabit this wonderful fairyland. It was no easy task to obey this order and land Trot and Captain Bill safely in Oz, as you will discover by reading this book. Indeed, it required the best efforts of our dear old friend, the Scarecrow, to save them from a dreadful fate on the journey. But the story leaves them happily located in Osma's splendid palace, and Dorothy has promised to me that Button Bright and the three girls are sure to encounter in the near future some marvelous adventures in the land of Oz, which I hope to be permitted to relate to you in the next Oz book. Meantime, I am deeply grateful to my little readers for their continued enthusiasm over the Oz stories, as evinced in the many letters they send me, all of which are lovingly cherished. It takes more and more Oz books every year to satisfy the demands of old and new readers, and there have been formed many Oz reading societies where the Oz books owned by different members are read aloud. All this is very gratifying to me and encourages me to write more stories. When the children have had enough of them, I hope they will let me know, and then I'll try to write something different. Al Frank Baum, Royal Historian of Oz, Ozcott at Hollywood in California, 1915. End of forward. The Scarecrow of Oz, Chapter 1. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Chapter 1. Narrated by Kara Schellenberg. www.kray.org The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 1. The Great Whirlpool. Seems to me, said Captain Bill, as he sat beside Trot under the big acacia tree, looking out over the blue ocean. Seems to me, Trot, is how the more we know, the more we find we don't know. I can't quite make that out, Captain Bill," answered the little girl in a serious voice, after a moment's thought, during which her eyes followed those of the old sailor man across the glassy surface of the sea. Seems to me that all we learn is just so much gained. I know. It looks that way at first sight," said the sailor, nodding his head. But those as knows the least have a habit of thinking they know all there is to know. While them as knows the most admits what a terrible big world this is. It's the knowing ones that realize one lifetime ain't long enough to get more in a few dips of the oars of knowledge. Trot didn't answer. She was a very little girl, with big, solemn eyes, and an earnest, simple manner. Captain Bill had been her faithful companion for years, and had taught her almost everything she knew. He was a wonderful man, this Captain Bill, not so very old, although his hair was grizzled what there was of it. Most of his head was bald as an egg, and as shiny as oilcloth, and this made his big ears stick out in a funny way. His eyes had a gentle look, and were pale blue in color, and his round face was rugged and bronzed. Captain Bill's left leg was missing from the knee down, and that was why the sailor no longer sailed the seas. The wooden leg he wore was good enough to stump around with on land, or even to take trot out for a row or a sail on the ocean, but when it came to running up aloft, or performing active duties on shipboard, the old sailor was not equal to the task. The loss of his leg had ruined his career, and the old sailor found comfort in devoting himself to the education and companionship of the little girl. The accident to Captain Bill's leg had happened at about the time trot was born, and ever since that he had lived with trot's mother as a star border, having enough money saved up to pay for his weekly keep. He loved the baby and often held her on his lap. Her first ride was on Captain Bill's shoulders, for she had no baby carriage, and when she began to toddle around, the child and the sailor became close comrades and enjoyed many strange adventures together. It is said the fairies had been present at trot's birth, and had marked her forehead with their invisible mystic signs, so that she was able to see and do many wonderful things. The acacia tree was on top of a high bluff, but a path ran down the bank in a zigzag way to the water's edge, where Captain Bill's boat was moored to a rock by means of a stout cable. It had been a hot, sultry afternoon, with scarcely a breath of air stirring, so Captain Bill and trot had been quietly sitting beneath the shade of the tree, waiting for the sun to get low enough for them to take a row. They had decided to visit one of the great caves which the waves had washed out of the rocky coast during many years of steady effort. The caves were a source of continual delight to both the girl and the sailor, who loved to explore their awesome depths. I believe, Captain. remarked trot, at last. That it's time for us to start. The old man cast a shrewd glance at the sky, the sea, and the motionless boat. Then he shook his head. Maybe it's time, trot. He answered. But I don't just like the looks of things this afternoon. What's wrong? she asked, wonderingly. Can't say as to that. Things is too quiet, suit me, that's all. No breeze, not a ripple atop the water, nary a gull to fly in anywhere, and the end of the hottest day of the year. I ain't no weather-profit, trot, but any sailor would know the signs is ominous. There's nothing wrong that I can see, said trot. If there was a cloud in the sky even as big as my thumb we might worry about it, but look, Captain, the sky is as clear as can be. He looked again, and nodded. Perhaps we can make the cave all right. He agreed, not wishing to disappoint her. There's only a little way out, and we'll be on the watch, so come along, trot. Together they descended the winding path to the beach. It was no trouble for the girl to keep her footing on the steep way, but Captain Bill, because of his wooden leg, had to hold on to rocks and roots now and then to save himself from tumbling. On a level path he was as spry as any one, but to climb uphill or down required some care. They reached the boat safely, and while trot was untying the rope, Captain Bill reached into a crevice of the rock and drew out several tallow candles and a box of wax matches which he thrust into the capacious pockets of his sowester. This sowester was a short coat of oil-skin which the old sailor wore on all occasions, when he wore a coat at all, and the pockets always contained a variety of objects, useful and ornamental, which made even trot wonder where they all came from and why Captain Bill should treasure them. The jack knives, a big one and a little one, the bits of cord, the fish hooks, the nails. These were handy to have on certain occasions, but bits of shell and tin boxes with unknown contents, buttons, pincers, bottles of curious stones and the like seemed quite unnecessary to carry around. That was Captain Bill's business, however, and now that he added the candles and the matches to his collection trot made no comment, for she knew these last were to light their way through the caves. The sailor always rode the boat, for he handled the oars with strength and skill. Trot sat in the stern and steered. The place where they embarked was a little bite or circular bay and the boat cut across a much larger bay toward a distant headland where the caves were located right at the water's edge. They were nearly a mile from shore and about half way across the bay when Trot suddenly sat up straight and exclaimed, What's that, Captain? He stopped rowing and turned half around to look. That, Trot, he slowly replied, Looks to me mighty like a whirlpool. What makes it, Captain? A whirl in the air makes the whirl in the water. I was afraid as we'd meet with troubled Trot. Things didn't look right. The air was too still. It's coming closer, said the girl. The old man grabbed the oars and began rowing with all his strength. Ain't coming closer to us, Trot. He gasped. It's we that are coming closer to the whirlpool. The thing is drawn as to it like a magnet. Trot's sun-bronzed face was a little paler as she grasped the tiller firmly and tried to steer the boat away, but she said not a word to indicate fear. The swirl of the water as they came nearer made a roaring sound that was fearful to listen to. How fierce and powerful was the whirlpool that it drew the surface of the sea into the form of a great basin, slanting downward near the centre, where a big hole had been made in the ocean, a hole with walls of water that were kept in place by the rapid whirling of the air. The boat in which Trot and Captain Bill were riding was just on the outer edge of this saucer-like slant, and the old sailor knew very well that unless he could quickly force the little craft away from the rushing current, they would soon be drawn into the great black hole that yawned in the middle. So he exerted all his might and pulled as he had never pulled before. He pulled so hard that the left oar snapped in two and sent Captain Bill sprawling upon the bottom of the boat. He scrambled up quickly enough and glanced over the side. Then he looked at Trot, who sat quite still with a serious far-away look in her sweet eyes. The boat was now speeding swiftly of its own accord following the line of the circular basin round and round and gradually drawing nearer to the great hole in the centre. Any further effort to escape the whirlpool was useless, and realising this fact Captain Bill turned toward Trot and put an arm around her, as if to shield her from the awful fate before them. He did not try to speak, because the roar of the waters would have drowned the sound of his voice. These two faithful comrades had faced dangers before, but nothing to equal that which now faced them. Yet Captain Bill, noting the look in Trot's eyes and remembering how often she had been protected by unseen powers, did not quite give way to despair. The great hole in the dark water, now growing nearer and nearer, looked very terrifying, but they were both brave enough to face it and await the result of the adventure. 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 Kara Schellenberg. The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 2 The Cavern under the Sea The circles were so much smaller at the bottom of the basin, and the boat moved so much more swiftly that Trot was beginning to get dizzy with the motion, when suddenly the boat made a leap and dived headlong into the murky depths of the hole. Whirling like tops, but still clinging together, the sailor and the girl were separated from their boat and plunged down, down, down into the farthest recesses of the great ocean. At first their fall was swift as an arrow, but presently they seemed to be going more moderately, and Trot was almost sure that unseen arms were about her, supporting her and protecting her. She could see nothing because the water filled her eyes and blurred her vision, but she clung fast to Captain Bill's southeaster while other arms clung fast to her, and so they gradually sank down and down until a full stop was made when they began to ascend again. But it seemed to Trot that they were not rising straight to the surface from where they had come. The water was no longer whirling them, and they seemed to be drawn in a slanting direction through still cool ocean depths, and then, in much quicker time than I have told it, up they popped to the surface and were cast at full length upon a sandy beach, where they lay choking and gasping for breath and wondering what had happened to them. Trot was the first to recover. Disengaging herself from Captain Bill's wet embrace and sitting up, she rubbed the water from her eyes and then looked round her. A soft bluish-green glow lighted the place, which seemed to be a sort of cavern, for above and on either side of her were rugged rocks. They had been cast upon a beach of clear sand, which slanted upward from the pool of water at their feet, a pool which doubtless led into the big ocean that fed it. Above the reach of the waves of the pool were more rocks, and still more and more, into the dim windings and recesses of which the glowing light from the water did not penetrate. The place looked grim and lonely, but Trot was thankful that she was still alive and had suffered no severe injury during her trying adventure underwater. At her side Captain Bill was sputtering and coughing, trying to get rid of the water he had swallowed. Both of them were soaked through, yet the cavern was warm and comfortable, and a wedding did not dismay the little girl in the least. She crawled up the slant of sand and gathered in her hand a bunch of dried seaweed, with which she mopped the face of Captain Bill and cleared the water from his eyes and ears. Presently the old man sat up and stared at her intently. Then he nodded his bald head three times and said in a gurgling voice, Mighty good, Trot, mighty good. We didn't reach David Jones's locker that time, did we? Though why we didn't, why we're here is more than I can make out. Take it easy, Captain. She replied, We're safe enough, I guess, at least for the time being. He squeezed the water out of the bottoms of his loose trousers and felt of his wooden leg and arms and head, and finding he had brought all of his person with him, he gathered courage to examine closely their surroundings. Where do you think we are, Trot? He presently asked. Can't say, Captain, perhaps in one of our caves. He shook his head. No, said he. I don't think that at all. The distance we came up didn't seem half as far as the distance we went down, and you'll notice there ain't any outside entrance to this cavern, whatever. It's a regular dome over this pool of water, and unless there's some passage at the back up yonder, we're fast prisoners. Trot looked thoughtfully over her shoulder. When we're risted, she said, We will crawl up there and see if there's a way to get out. Captain Bill reached in the pocket of his oil-skin coat and took out his pipe. It was still dry, for he kept it in an oil-skin pouch with his tobacco. His matches were in a tight tin box, so in a few moments the old sailor was smoking contentedly. Trot knew it helped him to think when he was in any difficulty. Also, the pipe did much to restore the old sailor's composure after his long ducking and his terrible fright, a fright that was more on Trot's account than his own. The sand was dry where they sat and soaked up the water that dripped from their clothing. When Trot had squeezed the wet out of her hair she began to feel much like her old self again. By and by they got upon their feet and crept up the incline to the scattered boulders above. Some of these were of huge size, but by passing between some and around others they were able to reach the extreme rear of the cavern. Yes, said Trot, with interest. Here's a round hole. And it's black as night inside it. Remarked Captain Bill. Just the same. Answered the girl. We ought to explore it and see where it goes, because it's the only possible way we can get out of this place. Captain Bill eyed the hole doubtfully. It may be a way out of here, Trot. He said. But it may be a way into a far worse place than this. I'm not sure, but our best plan is to stay right here. Trot wasn't sure, either, when she thought of it in that light. After a while she made her way back to the sands again and Captain Bill followed her. As they sat down the child looked thoughtfully at the sailor's bulging pockets. How much food have we got, Captain? She asked. Half a dozen chips, biscuits, and a hunk of cheese. He replied. Want some now, Trot? She shook her head, saying, That ought to keep us alive about three days if we're careful of it. Longer than that, Trot. Said Captain Bill. But his voice was a little troubled and unsteady. But if we stay here we're bound to starve in time. Continued the girl. While if we go into the dark hole. Some things are more hard to face than starvation. Said the sailor man gravely. We don't know what's inside that dark hole, Trot. Nor where it might lead us to. There's a way to find that out. She persisted. Instead of replying, Captain Bill began searching his pockets. He soon drew out a little package of fish hooks and a long line. Trot watched him join them together. Then he crept a little way up the slope and turned over a big rock. Two or three small crabs began scurrying away over the sands and the old sailor caught them and put one on his hook and the others in his pocket. Coming back to the pool he swung the hook over his shoulder and circled it around his head and cast it nearly into the centre of the water where he allowed it to sink gradually, paying out the line as far as it would go. When the end was reached he began drawing it in again until the crab bait was floating on the surface. Trot watched him cast the line a second time and a third. She decided that either there were no fishes in the pool or they would not bite the crab bait. But Captain Bill was an old fisherman and not easily discouraged. When the crab got away he put another on the hook. When the crabs were all gone he climbed up the rocks and found some more. Meantime Trot tired of watching him and lay down upon the sands where she fell fast asleep. During the next two hours her clothing dried completely as did that of the old sailor. They were both so used to salt water that there was no danger of taking cold. Finally the little girl was wakened by a splash beside her and a grunt of satisfaction from Captain Bill. She opened her eyes to find that the Captain had landed a silver-scaled fish weighing about two pounds. This cheered her considerably and she hurried to scrape together a heap of seaweed while Captain Bill caught up the fish with his jackknife and got it ready for cooking. They had cooked fish with seaweed before. Captain Bill wrapped his fish in some of the weed and dipped it in the water to dampen it. Then he lighted a match and set fire to Trot's heap which speedily burned down to a glowing bed of ashes. Then they laid the wrapped fish on the ashes, covered it with more seaweed and allowed this to catch fire and burn to embers. After feeding the fire with seaweed for some time the sailor finally decided that their supper was ready He scattered the ashes and drew out the bits of fish, still encased in their smoking wrappings. When these wrappings were removed the fish was found thoroughly cooked and both Trot and Captain Bill ate of it freely. It had a slight flavor of seaweed and would have been better with a sprinkling of salt. The soft glow which until now had lighted the cavern began to grow dim but there was a great quantity of seaweed in the place so after they had eaten their fish they kept the fire alive for a time by giving it a handful of fuel now and then. From an inner pocket the sailor drew a small flask of battered metal and unscrewing the cap handed it to Trot. She took but one swallow of the water, although she wanted more and she noticed that Captain Bill merely wet his lips with it. Suppose, said she, staring at the glowing seaweed fire and speaking slowly, that we can catch all the fish we need. How about the drinking water, Captain? He moved uneasily but did not reply. Both of them were thinking about the dark hole but while Trot had little fear of it the old man could not overcome his dislike to enter the place. He knew that Trot was right though. To remain in the cavern where they now were could only result in slow but sure death. It was night time up on the earth's surface so the little girl became drowsy and soon fell asleep. After a time the old sailor slumbered on the sands beside her. It was very still and nothing disturbed them for hours. When at last they awoke the cavern was light again. They had divided one of the biscuits and were munching it for breakfast when they were startled by a sudden splash in the pool. Looking toward it they saw emerging from the water the most curious creature either of them had ever beheld. It wasn't a fish, Trot decided, nor was it a beast. It had wings though and queer wings they were shaped like an inverted chopping-bowl and covered with tough skin instead of feathers. It had four legs much like the legs of a stork only double the number and its head was shaped a good deal like that of a pawl parrot with a beak that curved downward in front and upward at the edges and was half bill and half mouth. But to call it a bird was out of the question because it had no feathers whatever except a crest of wavy plumes of a scarlet colour on the very top of its head. The strange creature must have weighed as much as Captain Bill and as it floundered and struggled to get out of the water to the sandy beach it was so big and unusual that both Trot and her companion stared at it in wonder. In wonder that was not unmixed with fear. End of chapter 2 The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 3 The Org The eyes that regarded them as the creature stood dripping before them were bright and mild in expression and the queer addition to their party made no attempt to attack them and seemed quite as surprised by the meeting as they were. I wonder, whispered Trot What it is Who me? exclaimed the creature in a shrill, high-pitched voice Why I'm an orc Oh! said the girl But what is an orc? I am And if ever an orc was glad to be out of the water and on dry land again you can be mighty sure that I'm that special individual orc Have you been in the water long? inquired Captain Bill thinking it's only polite to show an interest in the strange creature Why this last ducking was about ten minutes I believe and that's about nine minutes and sixty seconds too long for comfort Was the reply But last night I was in an awful pickle I assure you the whirlpool caught me and Oh! were you in the whirlpool too? asked Trot eagerly He gave her a glance that was somewhat reproachful I believe I was mentioning the fact young lady when your desire to talk interrupted me said the orc I am not usually careless in my actions but that whirlpool was so busy yesterday that I thought I'd see what mischief it was up to so I flew a little too near it and the suction of the air drew me down into the depths of the ocean Water and I are natural enemies and it would have conquered me this time had not a bevy of pretty mermaids come to my assistance and dragged me away from the whirling water and far up into a cavern where they deserted me Why, that's about the same thing that happened yesterday Why, that's about the same thing that happened to us cried Trot Was your cavern like this one? I haven't examined this one yet answered the orc But if they happen to be alike, I shudder at our fate for the other one was a prison with no outlet except by means of the water I stayed there all night, however and this morning I plunged into the pool as far down as I could go and then swam as hard and as hard as I could the rocks scraped my back now and then and I barely escaped the clutches of an ugly sea monster but by and by I came to the surface to catch my breath and found myself here that's the whole story and as I see you have something to eat I entreat you to give me a share of it the truth is I'm half starved With these words the orc squatted down beside them Very reluctantly Captain Bill drew another biscuit from his pocket and held it out the orc promptly seized it in one of its front claws and began to nibble the biscuit in much the same manner a parrot might have done We haven't much grub, said the sailor man but we're willing to share it with a comrade in distress That's fried, returned the orc cocking its head sideways in a cheerful manner and then for a few minutes there was silence all eight of the biscuits After a while Trot said I've never seen or heard of an orc before Are there many of you? We are rather few and exclusive I believe was the reply In the country where I was born we are the absolute rulers of all living things from ants to elephants What country is that? asked Captain Bill Orcland I don't know exactly you see I have a restless nature for some reason while all the rest of my race are quiet and contented orcs and seldom stray far from home From childhood days I love to fly long distances away although father often warned me that I would get into trouble by doing so It's a big world flipper my son he would say and I've heard that in parts of it live queer two-legged creatures called man who wore upon all other living things and would have little respect for even an orc This naturally aroused my curiosity and after I had completed my education and left school I decided to fly out into the world and try to get a glimpse of the creatures called men So I left home without saying goodbye an act I shall always regret Adventures were many I found I sighted men several times but have never before been so close to them as now Also I had to flight my way through the air for I met gigantic birds with fluffy feathers all over them which attacked me fiercely Besides it kept me busy escaping from floating airships In my rambling I had lost all track of distance or direction so that when I wanted to go home I had no idea where my country was located I've not been trying to find it for several months and it was during one of my flights over the ocean that I met the whirlpool and became its victim Trot and cat and bill listened to this recital with much interest and from a friendly tone and harmless appearance of the orc they judged he was not likely to prove so disagreeable a companion as at first they had feared he might be The orc sat upon its haunches much as a cat does but used the finger-like claws of its front legs heavily as if they were hands Perhaps the most curious thing about the creature was its tail or what ought to have been its tail This queer arrangement of skin, bones and muscle were shaped like the propellers used on boats and airships having fan-like surfaces and being pivoted to its body Cat and Bill knew something of mechanics and observing the propeller-like tail of the orc he said I suppose you're a pretty swift flyer? Yes indeed, the orcs are admitted to be kings of the air Your wings don't seem to amount too much Remarks Trot Well they are not very big, admitted the orc waving the four hollow skins gently to and fro But they serve to support my body in the air while I speed along by means of my tail Still, taken altogether, I'm very handsomely formed don't you think? Trot did not like to reply but Cat and Bill nodded gravely For an orc, said he, you're a wonder I've never seen one of four, but I can imagine you're as good as any That seemed to please the creature and it began walking around the cavern making its way easily up the slope While it was gone Trot and Cat and Bill each took another sip from the water flask to wash down their breakfast Why, here's a hole, an exit, an outlet exclaimed the orc from above We know, said Trot We found it last night Well then let's be off continued the orc after sticking its head into the black hole and sniffing once or twice The air seems fresh and sweet and it can't lead us to any worse place than this The girl and the sailor man got up and climbed to the side of the orc We'd about decided to explore this hole before you came exclaimed Cat and Bill But it's a dangerous place to navigate in the dark so wait till I light a candle What is a candle? inquired the orc You'll see in a minute, said Trot The old sailor drew one of the candles from his right side pocket and the tin matchbox from his left side pocket When he lighted the match the orc gave a startled jump and eyed the flame suspiciously but Cat and Bill proceeded to light the candle and the action interested the orc very much Light It said somewhat nervously Is valuable in a hole of this sort the candle is not dangerous I hope Sometimes it burns your fingers answered Trot But that's about the worst it can do except to blow out when you don't want it to Cat and Bill shielded the flame with his hand and crept into the hole It wasn't any too big for a grown man but after he had crawled a few feet it grew larger Trot came close behind him and then the orc followed Seems like a regular tunnel muttered the sailor man who was creeping along awkwardly because of his wooden leg The rocks too hurt his knees For nearly half an hour the three moved slowly along the tunnel which made many twists and turns and sometimes slanted downward and sometimes upward Finally Cat and Bill stopped short with an exclamation of disappointment and held the flickering candle far ahead to light the scene What's wrong? demanded Trot who could see nothing because the sailor's form completely filled the hole Why, we've come to the end of our travels I guess he replied Is the hole blocked? inquired the orc No, it's washing or that replied Cat and Bill sadly I'm on the edge of a precipice Wait a minute, now move along and let you see for yourselves Be careful Trot, not to fall Then he crept forward a little and moved to one side holding the candle so that the girl could see to follow him The orc came next and now all three knelt on a narrow ledge of rock which dropped straight away and left a huge black space which the tiny flame of the candle could not illuminate Hmm! said the orc peering over the edge This doesn't look very promising I'll admit but let me take your candle and I'll fly down and see what's below us Aren't you afraid? asked Trot Certainly I'm afraid responded the orc But if we intend to escape we can't stay on this shelf forever I notice you poor creatures cannot fly it is my duty to explore the place for you Cat and Bill handed the orc the candle which had now burned to about half its length The orc took it in one claw rather cautiously and then tipped its body forward and slipped over the edge They heard a queer buzzing sound as the tail revolved and a brisk flapping of the peculiar wings but they were more interested just then in following with their eyes the tiny speck of light which marked the location of the candle This light first made a great circle then dropped slowly downward and suddenly was extinguished leaving everything before them black as ink Hi there! How did that happen? cried the orc It blew out I guess shouted Cat and Bill That's it here I can't see where you are said the orc So Cat and Bill got out another candle and lighted it and its flame enabled the orc to fly back to them It alighted on the edge and held out the bit of candle What made it stop burning? asked the creature The wind, said Trot You must be more careful this time What's the place like? inquired Cat and Bill I don't know yet but there must be a bottom to it so I'll try to find it With this the orc started out again and this time sank downward more slowly down down down it went till the candle was a mere spark and then it headed away to the left and Trot and Cat and Bill lost all sight of it In a few minutes however they saw the spark of light again and as the sailor still held the second lighted candle the orc made straight toward them It was only a few yards distant when suddenly it dropped the candle with a cry of pain and the next moment alighted fluttering wildly upon the rocky ledge What's the matter? asked Trot It bit me wailed the orc I don't like your candles the thing began to disappear slowly as soon as I took it in my claw and it grew smaller and smaller until just now it turned and bit me a most unfriendly thing to do ouch what a bite That's the nature of candles I'm sorry to say explained Cat and Bill with a grin You have to handle them mighty careful but tell us what did you find down there I found a way to continue our journey said the orc nursing tenderly the claw which had been burned Just below us is a great lake of black water which looks so cold and wicked that it made me shudder but away at the left there's a big tunnel which we can easily walk through I don't know where it leads to of course but we must follow it and find out Why we can't get to it protested the little girl We can't fly as you do you must remember No that's true replied the orc musingly Your bodies are built very poorly it seems to me since all you can do is crawl upon the earth's surface but you may ride upon my back and in that way I can promise you a safe journey to the tunnel Are you strong enough to carry us? asked Cat and Bill doubtfully Yes indeed I'm strong enough to carry a dozen of you if you could find a place to sit was the reply but there's only room between my wings for one at a time so I'll have to make two trips All right I'll go first decided Cat and Bill He lit another candle for Trot to hold while they were gone and to light the orc on his return to her and then the old sailor got upon the orc's back where he sat with his wooden legs sticking straight out sideways If you start to fall clasps of your arms around my neck advised the creature If I start to fall is good night and pleasant dreams said Cat and Bill All ready? asked the orc Start the buzz tail said Cat and Bill with a tremble in his voice but the orc flew away so gently that the old man never even tottered in his seat Trot watched the light of Cat and Bill's candle till it disappeared in the far distance she didn't like to be left alone on this dangerous ledge with a lake of black water hundreds of feet below her but she was a brave little girl and waited patiently for the return of the orc it came even sooner than she had expected and the creature said to her Your friend is safe in the tunnel Now then get aboard and I'll carry you to him in a jiffy I'm sure not many little girls would have cared to take that awful ride through the huge black cavern on the back of a skinny orc Trot didn't care for it herself but it just had to be done and so she did it as courageously as possible her heart beat fast and she was so nervous she could scarcely hold the candle in her fingers as the orc sped swiftly through the darkness it seemed like a long ride to her yet in reality the orc covered the distance in a wonderfully brief period of time and soon Trot stood safely beside Cat and Bill on the level floor of a big arched tunnel the sailor man was very glad to greet his little comrade again and both were grateful to the orc for his assistance I don't know where this tunnel leads to remarked Cat and Bill but it surely looks more promising than that other hole we crept through when the orc is rested, said Trot we'll travel on and see what happens rested, cried the orc as scornfully as his shrill voice would allow that bit of flying didn't tire me at all I'm used to flying days at a time without ever stopping then let's move on, proposed Cat and Bill he still held in his hand one lighted candle so Trot blew out the other flame and placed her candle in the sailor's big pocket she knew it was not wise to burn two candles at once the tunnel was straight and smooth and very easy to walk through so they made good progress Trot thought that the tunnel began about two miles from the cavern where they had been cast by the whirlpool but now it was impossible to guess the miles travelled for they walked steadily for hours and hours without any change in their surroundings finally Cat and Bill stopped to rest there's something queer about this ear tunnel I'm certain he declared wagging his head dolefully here's three candles gone already and only three more left us yet the tunnel is the same as it was when we started and how long it's going to keep up no one knows couldn't we walk without a light the way seems safe enough it does right now was the reply but we can't tell when we are likely to come to another gulf or something just as dangerous in that case we'd be killed before we knew it suppose I go ahead suggested the orc I don't fear a fall you know and if anything happens I'll call out and warn you that's a good idea and Cat and Bill thought so too so the orc started off ahead quite in the dark and hand in hand the two followed him when they had walked in this way for a good long time the orc halted and demanded food Cat and Bill had not mentioned food because there was so little left only three biscuits and a lump of cheese about as big as his two fingers but he gave the orc half of a biscuit sighing as he did so the creature didn't care for the cheese so the sailor divided it between himself and Trot they lighted a candle and sat down in a tunnel while they ate my feet hurt me grumbled the orc I'm not used to walking and this rocky passage is so uneven and lumpy that it hurts me to walk upon it can't you fly along? asked Trot no the roof is too low said the orc after the meal they resumed their journey which Trot began to fear would never end when Cat and Bill noticed how tired the little girl was he paused and lighted a match and looked at his big silver watch why it's night he exclaimed we'd cramped all day and still we're in this awful passage which maybe goes straight through the middle of the world and maybe is a circle in which case we can keep walking till doomsday not knowing what's before us so well as we know what's behind us I propose we make a stop now and try to sleep till morning that will suit me asserted the orc with a groan my feet are hurting me dreadfully and for the last few miles I've been limping with pain my foot hurts too said the sailor looking for a smooth place on the rocky floor to sit down your foot cried the orc why you've only one to hurt you while I have four so I suffer four times as much as you possibly can here hold the candle while I look at the bottom of my claws I declare he said examining them by the flickering light there are bunches of pains all over them perhaps said Trot who was very glad to sit down beside her companions you've got corns corns, nonsense orcs never have corns protested the creature rubbing its sore feet tenderly then maybe they're... they're... what do you call them, Captain Bill? something about the pilgrim's progress, you know bunions said Captain Bill oh yes, maybe you've got bunions it is possible moaned the orc but whatever they are another day of such walking on them would drive me crazy I'm sure they'll feel better by morning said Captain Bill, encouragingly go to sleep and try to forget your sore feet the orc cast a reproachful look at the sailor man who didn't see it then the creature asked plaintively do we eat now or do we starve? there's only half a biscuit left for you answered Captain Bill no one knows how long we'll have to stay in this dark tunnel where there's nothing whatever to eat so I advise you to save that morsel of food till later give it to me now demanded the orc if I'm going to starve I'll do it all at once not by degrees Captain Bill produced the biscuit and the creature ate it in a trice Trot was rather hungry and whispered to Captain Bill that she'd take part of her share but the old man secretly broke his own half biscuit in two saving Trot's share for a time of greater need he was beginning to be worried over the little girl's plight and long after she was asleep and the orc was snoring in a rather disagreeable manner Captain Bill sat with his back to a rock and smoked his pipe and tried to think of some way to escape from this seemingly endless tunnel but after a time he also slept for hobbling on a wooden leg all day was tiresome and there in the dark slumbered the three adventurers for many hours the orc roused itself and kicked the old sailor with one foot it must be another day said he End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 4 Daylight at Last Captain Bill rubbed his eyes, lit a match and consulted his watch Nine o'clock Yes, I guess it's another day, sure enough Shall we go on? he asked Of course, said the orc Unless this tunnel is different from everything else in the world and has no end we'll find a way out of it sooner or later The sailor gently wakened Trot She felt much rested by her long sleep and sprang to her feet eagerly Let's start, Captain was all she said They resumed the journey and had only taken a few steps when the orc cried, Wow! and made a great fluttering of its wings and whirling of its tail The others, who were following a short distance behind, stopped abruptly What's the matter? asked Captain Bill What was the reply? I think we've come to the end of the tunnel Then, while Captain Bill lighted a candle, the creature added, If that is true, we needn't have wakened so soon so we were almost at the end of this place when we went to sleep The sailor man and Trot came forward with a light A wall of rock really faced the tunnel but now they saw that the opening made a sharp turn to the left so they followed on by a narrower passage and then made another sharp turn this time to the right Blow out the candle, Captain said the orc in a pleased voice We've struck daylight Daylight at last A shaft of mellow light fell almost at their feet as Trot and the sailor turned the corner of the passage but it came from above and raising their eyes, they found they were at the bottom of a deep, rocky well with the top, far, far above their heads and here the passage ended For a while they gazed in silence at least two of them being filled with dismay at the site but the orc merely whistled softly and said cheerfully That was the toughest journey I ever had the misfortune to undertake and I'm glad it's over yet unless I can manage to fly to the top of this pit we are entombed here forever Do you think there's room enough for you to fly in? asked the little girl anxiously and Captain Bill added It's a straight-up shaft so I don't see how you'll ever manage it Were I an ordinary bird one of those horrid feathered things I wouldn't even make the attempt to fly out said the orc but my mechanical propelletail can accomplish wonders and whenever you're ready I'll show you a trick that is worthwhile Oh! exclaimed Trot Do you intend to take us up too? Why not? I thought said Captain Bill as you'd go first and then send somebody to help us by letting down a rope Props are dangerous replied the orc and I might not be able to find one to reach all this distance besides it stands to reason that if I can get out myself I can also carry you two with me Well, I'm not afraid said Trot who longed to be on the earth's surface again Suppose we fall suggested Captain Bill doubtfully Why in that case we would all fall together returned to the orc Get aboard little girl sit across my shoulders and put both your arms around my neck Trot obeyed and when she was seated on the orc Captain Bill inquired How about me Mr. Orc? Why I think you'd best grab hold of my rear legs and let me carry you up in that manner was the reply Captain Bill looked way up at the top of the well and then he looked at the orc's slender skinny legs and heaved deep sigh It's going to be some dangle I guess but if you don't waste too much time on the way up I may be able to hang on said he Already then cried the orc and at once his whirling tail began to revolve Trot felt herself rising into the air when the creature's legs left the ground Captain Bill grasped two of them firmly and held on for dear life The orc's body was tipped straight upward and Trot had to embrace the neck very tightly to keep from sliding off Even in this position the orc had trouble in escaping the rough sides of the well Several times it exclaimed Wow! as it bumped its back or a wing hit against some jagged projection but the tail kept whirling with remarkable swiftness and the daylight grew brighter and brighter It was indeed a long journey from the bottom to the top yet almost before Trot realized they had come so far they popped out of the hole into the clear air and sunshine and a moment later the orc alighted gently upon the ground The release was so sudden that even with the creature's care for its passengers Captain Bill struck the earth with a shock that sent him rolling heel overhead but by the time Trot had slid down from her seat the old sailor man was sitting up and looking around him with much satisfaction It's sorta pretty here said he Earth is a beautiful place cried Trot I wonder where on earth we are pondered the orc turning first one bright eye and then the other to this side and that trees there were in plenty and shrubs and flowers and green turf but there were no houses there were no paths there was no sign of civilization whatever Just before I settled down on the ground I thought I caught a view of the ocean said the orc Let's see if I was right Then he flew to a little hill nearby and Trot and Captain Bill followed him more slowly When they stood on the top of the hill they could see the blue waves of the ocean in front of them to the right of them and at the left of them behind the hill was a forest that shut out the view I hope it ain't an island Trot said Captain Bill gravely If it is I suppose we're prisoners she replied Exactly so Trot But even so it's better than those terrible underground tunnels and caverns declared the girl You all right little one agreed the orc Anything above ground is better than the best that lies underground so let's not quarrel with our fate but be thankful we've escaped We are indeed she replied But I wonder if we can find something to eat in this place Let's explore and find out proposed Captain Bill Those trees over at the left look like cherry trees On the way to them the explorers had to walk through a tangle of vines and Captain Bill who went first stumbled and pitched forward on his face Why it's a melon cried Trot delightedly as she saw what had caused the sailor to fall Captain Bill rose to his foot for he was not at all hurt and examined the melon Then he took his big jackknife from his pocket and cut the melon open It was quite ripe and looked delicious but the old man tasted it before he permitted Trot to eat any Deciding it was good he gave her a big slice and then offered the orc some The creature looked at the fruit somewhat disdainfully at first but once he had tasted its flavour he ate of it as heartily as did the others Among the vines they discovered many other melons and Trot said gratefully Well there's no danger of us starving even if this is an island Melons remarked Captain Bill are both food and water we couldn't have struck anything better Father on they came to the cherry trees where they obtained some of the fruit and at the edge of the little forest were wild plums The forest itself consisted entirely of nut trees walnuts, filbits, almonds and chestnuts so there would be plenty of wholesome food for them while they remained there Captain Bill and Trot decided to walk through the forest to discover what was on the other side of it but the orc's feet were still so sore and lumpy from walking on the rocks the creature said he preferred to fly over the treetops and meet them on the other side The forest was not large so by walking briskly for fifteen minutes they reached its farthest edge and saw before them the shore of the ocean It's an island all right said Trot with a sigh Yes and a pretty island too said Captain Bill trying to conceal his disappointment on Trot's account I guess partner the worse comes to the worse I could build a raft or even a boat from those trees so as we could sail away in it The little girl brightened at this suggestion I don't see the orc anywhere she remarked, looking around then her eyes lighted upon something and she exclaimed Oh Captain Bill, isn't that a house over there to the left? Captain Bill looking closely saw a shed-like structure built at one edge of the forest Seems like it Trot Not that I'd call it much of a house but it's a building all right Let's go over and see if it's occupied End of Chapter 4 The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Bourne Chapter 5 The Little Old Man of the Island A few steps brought them to the chen which was merely a roof of boughs built over a square space with some branches of trees fastened to the sides to keep off the wind The front was quite open and faced the sea and as our friends came nearer they observed a little man with a long pointed beard sitting motionless on a stool over the wood Get out of the way, please He called in a fretful voice Can't you see you're obstructing my view? Good morning said Captain Bill politely It isn't a good morning I've seen plenty of mornings better than this Do you call it a good morning when I'm pestered with such a crowd as you? Trot was astonished to hear such words from a stranger whom they had greeted quite properly and Captain Bill grew red to the little man's rudeness But the sailor said, in a quiet tone of voice Are you the only one who lives on this year's island? Your grammar's bad was the reply But this is my own exclusive island and I'll thank you to get off it as soon as possible We'd like to do that said Trot and then she and Captain Bill turned away and walked down to the shore to see if any other land were in sight The little man rose and followed them although both were now too provoked to pay any attention to him Nothing in sight, partner reported Captain Bill shading his eyes with his hand So we'll have to stay here for a time anyhow It isn't a bad place trot by any means That's all you know about it broke in the little man The trees are altogether too green and the rocks are harder than they ought to be I find the sand very grainy and the water dreadfully wet Every breeze makes a draft and the sun shines in the daytime when there's no need of it and disappears just as soon as it begins to get dark If you remain here you'll find the island very unsatisfactory Trot turned to look at him and her sweet face was grave and curious I wonder who you are she said My name is Pessim said he with an air of pride I'm called the Observer Oh, what do you observe? Asked the little girl Everything I see was the reply in a more surly term Then Pessim drew back with a startled exclamation and looked at some footprints in the sand Why, good gracious me he cried in distress What's the matter now? asked Captain Bill Someone has pushed the earth in, don't you see it? It isn't pushed in far enough to hurt anything Said Trot, examining the footprints Everything hurts that isn't right Consisted the man If the earth were pushed in a mile it would be a great calamity, wouldn't it? I suppose so Admitted the little girl Well, here it is pushed in a full inch That's a twelfth of a foot or a little more than a millionth part of a mile Therefore it is one millionth part of a calamity Oh, dear, how dreadful! Said Pessim in a wailing voice Try to forget it, sir advised Captain Bill soothingly It's beginning to rain Let's get under your shed and keep dry Raining? Is it really raining? Asked Pessim, beginning to weep It is, answered Captain Bill as the drops began to descend And I don't see any way to stop it although I'm some observer myself No, we can't stop it, I fear Said the man Are you very busy just now? I won't be after I get to the shed Replied the sailor man Then do me a favour, please Begged Pessim, walking briskly along behind them for they were hastening to the shed Depends on what it is Said Captain Bill I wish you would take my umbrella down to the shore and hold it over the poorer fishes till it stops raining I'm afraid they'll get wet Said Pessim Trot laughed But Captain Bill thought the little man was poking fun at him and so he scowled upon Pessim in a way that showed he was angry They reached the shed before getting very wet although the rain was now coming down in big drops The roof of the shed protected them and while they stood watching the rainstorm something buzzed in and circled around Pessim's head At once the observer began beating it away with his hands crying out A bumblebee, a bumblebee The cursed bumblebee I ever saw Captain Bill and Trot both looked at it and the little girl said in surprise Dear me, it's a wee little orc That's what it is, sure enough exclaimed Captain Bill Really, it wasn't much bigger than a big bumblebee and when it came towards Trot she allowed it to a light on her shoulder It's me all right said a very small voice in her ear But I'm in an awful pickle just same What? Are you our orc then? demanded the girl, much amazed No, I'm my own orc but I'm the only orc you know replied the tiny creature What happened to you? asked the sailor putting his head close to Trot's shoulder in order to hear the reply better Pessim also put his head close and the orc said You will remember that when I left you I started to fly over the trees and just as I got to this side of the forest I saw a bush that was loaded down with the most luscious fruit you can imagine The fruit was about the size of a gooseberry and of a lovely lavender color so I swooped down and picked off one in my bill and ate it At once I began to grow small I could feel myself shrinking shrinking away and it frightened me terribly so that I lighted on the ground to think over what was happening In a few seconds I had shrunk to the size you now see me But there I remained getting no smaller indeed but no larger It is certainly a dreadful affliction after I had recovered somewhat from the shock I began to search for you It is not so easy to find one's way when a creature is so small but fortunately I spied you here in this shed and came to you at once Captain Bill and Trot were much astonished at this story and felt grieved for the poor orc but the little man Pessim seemed to think it a good joke He began laughing when he heard the story and laughed until he choked after which he lay down on the ground and rolled and laughed again while the tears of merriment coursed down his wrinkled cheeks Oh dear, oh dear! he finally gasped, sitting up and wiping his eyes This is too rich. It's almost too joyful to be true I don't see anything funny about it remarked Trot indignantly You would if you'd had my experience said Pessim, getting upon his feet and gradually resuming his solemn and dissatisfied expression of countenance The same thing happened to me Oh, did it? And how did you happen to come to this island? Asked a girl I didn't come. The neighbors brought me replied the little man with a frown at the recollection They said I was quarrelsome and fault-finding and blamed me because I told them all the things that went wrong or never were right and because I told them how things ought to be So they brought me here and left me all alone saying that if I quarreled with myself no one else would be made unhappy Absurd, wasn't it? Seems to me said Captain Bill Those neighbors did the proper thing Well Resumed Pessim? When I found myself king of this island I was obliged to live upon fruits and I found many fruits growing here that I had never seen before I tasted several and found them good and wholesome but one day I ate a lavender berry as the orc did and immediately I grew so small that I was scarcely two inches high it was a very unpleasant condition and like the orc I became frightened I could not walk very well nor very far for every lump of earth in my way seemed a mountain every blade of grass a tree and every grain of sand a rocky boulder For several days I stumbled around in an agony of fear Once a tree-toed nearly gobbled me up and if I ran out from the shelter of the bushes the gulls and cormorants swooped down upon me Finally I decided to eat another berry and become nothing at all since life, to one as small as I was had become a dreary nightmare At last I found a small tree that I thought bore the same fruit as that I had eaten The berry was dark purple instead of light lavender but otherwise it was quite similar Being unable to climb the tree I was obliged to wait underneath it until a sharp breeze arose and shook the limbs so that a berry fell Instantly I seized it and taking a last view of the world as I then thought I ate the berry in a twinkling Then to my surprise I began to grow big again until I became with my former stature and so I have since remained Needless to say I have never eaten again of the lavender fruit and nor do any of the beasts or birds that live upon this island eat it They had all three listened eagerly to this amazing tale and when it was finished the orc exclaimed Do you think then that the deep purple berry is the antidote for the lavender one? I'm sure of it, answered Pessim Then lead me to the tree at once Bake to the orc For this tiny foam I now have terrifies me greatly Pessim examined the orc closely You're ugly enough as you are said he Were you any larger you might be dangerous Oh no! Trot assured him The orc has been our good friend Please take us to the tree Then Pessim consented although rather reluctantly He led them to the right which was the east side of the island and in a few minutes brought them near to the edge of the grove which faced the shore of the ocean There was a small tree bearing berries of a deep purple colour The fruit looked very enticing and Captain Bill reached up and selected one that seemed especially plump and rough The orc had remained perched upon Trot's shoulder but now it flew down to the ground It was so difficult for Captain Bill to kneel down with his wooden leg that the little girl took the berry from him and held it close to the orc's head It's too big to go into my mouth said the little preacher looking at the fruit sideways You'll have to make several mouthfuls of it I guess said Trot and that is what the orc did He pecked at the soft ripe fruit with his bill and ate it up very quickly because it was good Even before he had finished the berry they could see the orc begin to grow In a few minutes he had regained his natural size and was strutting before them quite delighted with his transformation Well, well, what do you think of me now? He asked proudly You are very skinny and remarkably ugly declared Pessim You are a poor judge of orcs was the reply Anyone can see that I'm much handsomer than those dreadful things called birds which are all fluff and feathers Their feathers make soft beds asserted Pessim and my skin would make excellent drum heads retorted the orc Nevertheless, a plucked bird or a skinned orc would be of no value to himself so we needn't brag of our usefulness after we are dead But for the sake of argument, friend Pessim I'd like to know what good you would be were you not alive Never mind that said Captain Bill He isn't much good as he is I am king of this island allow me to say and you're intruding on my property declared the little man scowling upon them If you don't like me and I'm sure you don't for no one else does why don't you go away and leave me to myself Well, the orc can fly but we can't Explain Trot in answer We don't want to stay here a bit but I don't see how we can get away You can go back into the hole you came from Captain Bill shook his head Trot shuddered at the thought the orc laughed aloud You may be king here the creature said to Pessim but we intend to run this island to suit ourselves for we are three and you are one and the balance of power lies with us The little man made no reply to this although as they walked back to the shed his face wore its fiercest scowl Captain Bill gathered a lot of leaves and assisted by Trot prepared two nice beds in opposite corners of the shed Captain slept in a hammock which he swung between two trees They required no dishes as all their food consisted of fruits and nuts picked from the trees They made no fire for the weather was warm and there was nothing to cook The shed had no furniture other than the rude stool which the little man was accustomed to sit upon He called it his throne and they let him keep it So they lived upon the island for three days and rested and ate to their hearts content Still they were not at all happy in this life because of Pessim He continually found fault with them and all that they did and all their surroundings He could see nothing good or admirable in all the world and Trot soon came to understand why the little man's former neighbours had brought him to this island and left him there all alone so that he could not annoy anyone It was their misfortune that they had been led to this place by their adventures for often they would have preferred any of a wild beast to that of Pessim On the fourth day a happy thought came to the orc They had all been racking their brains for a possible way to leave the island and discussing this or that method without finding a plan that was practical Captain Bill had said he could make a raft of the trees big enough to float them all but he had no tools except those two pocket knives and it was not possible to chop down trees with such small blades And suppose we got a float on the ocean Said Trot Where would we drift to and how long would it take us to get there? Captain Bill was forced to admit he didn't know The orc could fly away from the island any time it wished to but the queer creature was loyal to his new friends and refused to leave them in such a lonely forsaken place It was when Trot urged him to go on this fourth morning that the orc had his happy thought I will go Said he If you two will agree to ride upon my back We are too heavy You might drop us Objected Captain Bill Yes, you are rather heavy for a long journey I acknowledged the orc But you might eat one of those lavender berries and become so small that I could carry you with ease This quaint suggestion startled Trot and she looked gravely at the speaker while she considered it But Captain Bill gave us one full snort and asked What would become of us afterward? We wouldn't be much good if we were some two or three inches high No, Mr. Orc I'd rather stay here as I am than be a hop of my thumb somewhere else Why couldn't you take some of the dark purple berries along with you to eat after we had reached our destination? Inquired the orc Then you could grow big again whenever you pleased Trot clapped her hands with delight That's it She exclaimed Let's do it, Captain Bill The old sailor did not like the idea at first but he thought it over carefully and the more he thought the better it seemed How could you manage to carry us if we were so small? He asked I could put you in a paper bag and tie the bag around my neck But we haven't a paper bag Objected Trot The orc looked at her There's your sunbonnet It said presently Which is hollow in the middle and has two strings that you could tie around my neck Trot took off her sunbonnet and regarded it critically Yes, it might easily hold both her and Captain Bill after they had eaten the lavender berries and been reduced in size She tied the strings around the orc's neck and the sunbonnet made a bag that many people might ride without danger of falling out So she said I believe we'll do it that way, Captain Captain Bill groaned but could make no logical objection except that the pound seemed to him quite dangerous and dangerous in more ways than one I think so myself said Trot soberly But nobody can stay alive without getting into danger sometimes and danger doesn't mean getting hurt, Captain only means we might get hurt So I guess we'll have to take the risk Let's go and find the berries said the orc They said nothing to Pessim who was sitting on his stool and scowling dismaly as he said at the ocean but started at once to seek the trees that bore the magic fruits The orc remembered very well where the lavender berries grew and led his companions quickly to the spot Captain Bill gathered two berries and placed them carefully in his pocket Then they went around to the east side of the island and found the tree that bore the dark purple berries Guess I'll take four of these said the sailor man So in case one doesn't make us grow big we can eat another Better take six advised the orc It's well to be on the safe side and I'm sure these trees go nowhere else in the whole world So Captain Bill gathered six of the purple berries and with their precious fruit they returned to the shed to bid goodbye to Pessim Perhaps they would not have granted the surly little man this courtesy had they not wished to use him to tie the sunbonnet around the orc's neck When Pessim learned they were about to leave him he at first looked greatly pleased but he suddenly recollected that nothing ought to please him and so began to grumble about being left alone We knew it wouldn't suit you remarked Captain Bill It won't suit you to have us here and it won't suit you to have us go away That is quite true admitted Pessim I haven't been suited since I can remember so it doesn't matter to me in the least whether you go or stay He was interested in their experiment however and willingly agreed to assist although he prophesied they would fall out of the sunbonnet on their way and be either drowned in the ocean or crushed upon some rocky shore This untruful prospect don't trot but it made Captain Bill quite nervous I will eat my berry first said trot as she placed her sunbonnet on the ground in such manner that they could get into it Then she ate the lavender berry and in a few seconds became so small that Captain Bill picked her up gently with his thumb and one finger and placed her in the middle of the sunbonnet Then he placed beside her the six purple berries each one being about as big as the tiny trot's head and all preparations being now made the old sailor ate his lavender berry and became very small wooden leg and all Captain Bill stumbled sadly and trying to climb over the edge of the sunbonnet and pitched in beside trot head first which caused the unhappy Pessim to laugh with glee Then the king of the island picked up the sunbonnet so rudely that he shook its occupants like peas in a pod and tied it by means of its strings securely around the orc's neck I hope trot you sew those strings on tight said Captain Bill anxiously Why we're not very heavy you know she replied so I think the stitches will hold but be careful and not crush the berries Captain one is jammed already he said looking at them already asked the orc Yes they cried together and Pessim came close to the sunbonnet and called out to them You'll be smashed or drowned I'm sure you will but farewell and good riddance to you The orc was provoked by the sun kind speech so he turned his tail towards the little man and made it revolve so fast that the rush of air tumbled Pessim over backwards and he rolled several times upon the ground before he could stop himself and sit up By that time the orc was high in the air and speeding swiftly over the ocean End of chapter 5 Chapter 6 of The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Chapter 6 Narrated by Gesino The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Bohm Chapter 6 The Flight of the Midgets Captain Bill and Trot read very comfortably in the sun-bonnet The motion was quite steady for they weighed so little that the orc flew without effort Yet they were both somewhat nervous about their future fate and could not help wishing they were safe on land and their natural size again Your terrible small trot remarked Captain Bill looking at his companion Same to you, Captain she said with a laugh we didn't have the purple berries we didn't worry about our size In a circus we used the old man We'd be curiosities but in a sun-bonnet high up in the air sailing over a big, unknown ocean there ain't no word in any bookshonery to describe us Why, we're midgets, that's all said the little girl The orc flew silently for a long time The slight swaying of the sun-bonnet Captain Bill drowsy and he began to doze Trot, however, was wide awake and after enduring the monotonous journey as long as she was able she called out Don't you see land anywhere, Mr. Orc? Not yet he answered This is a big ocean and I've no idea in which direction the nearest land to that island lies but if I keep flying in a straight line I'm sure to reach some place some time That seemed reasonable So the little people in the sun-bonnet remained as patient as possible that is, Captain Bill dozed and Trot tried to remember her geography lessons so she could figure out what land they were likely to arrive at For hours and hours the orc flew steadily keeping to the straight line and searching with his eyes the horizon of the ocean for land Captain Bill was fast asleep and snoring and Trot had laid her head on his shoulder and rested when suddenly the orc exclaimed There! I've caught a glimpse of land at last At this announcement they roused themselves Captain Bill stood up and tried to peek over the edge of the sun-bonnet What does it look like? he inquired Looks like another island said the orc But I can judge it better in a minute or two I don't care much for islands since we visited that other one that led Trot Soon the orc made another announcement It is surely an island and a little one too said he But I won't stop because I see a much bigger land straight ahead of it That's right Approved Captain Bill The bigger the land the better it will suit us It's almost a continent continued the orc after a brief silence during which he did not decrease the speed of his flight I wonder if it can be Auckland the place I've been seeking so long I hope not whispered Trot to Captain Bill so softly that the orc could not hear her For I shouldn't like to be in a country where only orcs live This one orc isn't a bad companion but a lot of him wouldn't be much fun After a few more minutes of flying the orc called out in a sad voice No, this is not my country It's a place I have never been before Although I have wondered far and wide it seems to be all mountains and deserts and green valleys and queer cities and lakes and rivers mixed up in a very puzzling way Most countries are like that Committed Captain Bill Are you going to land? Pretty soon Was the reply There is a mountain peak just ahead of me What do you say to our landing on that? All right Agreed the sailor man For both he and Trot were getting tired of riding in the sun-bonnet and longed to set foot on solid ground again So in a few minutes the orc slowed down his speed and then came to a stop so easily that they were scarcely jarred at all Then the creature squatted down until the sun-bonnet rested on the ground and began trying to unfasten with its claws the knotted strings This proved a very clumsy task because the strings were tied to the back of the orc's neck just where his claws would not easily reach After much fumbling he said I'm afraid I can't let you out and there is no one near to help me This was at first discouraging but after a little thought Captain Bill said If you don't mind Trot I can cut a slit in your sun-bonnet Do! she replied The slit won't matter because I can sew it up again afterward when I'm big So Captain Bill got out his knife which was just as small in proportion as he was and after considerable trouble managed to cut a long slit in the sun-bonnet First he squeezed through the opening himself and then helped Trot to get out When they stood on firm ground again their first act was to begin eating the dark purple berries which they had brought with them Two of these Trot had guarded carefully during their long journey by holding them in her lap for their safety meant much to the tiny people I'm not very hungry said the little girl as she handed a berry to Captain Bill But hunger doesn't count in this case It's like taking medicine to make you well so we must manage to eat him somehow or other But the berries proved quite pleasant to taste As Captain Bill and Trot nibbled at their edges their forms began to grow in size slowly but steadily The bigger they grew the easier it was for them to eat the berries which of course became smaller to them and by the time the fruit was eaten our friends had regained their natural size The little girl was greatly relieved when she found herself as large as she had ever been and Captain Bill shared her satisfaction for although he had seen the effect of the berries they had not been sure the magic fruit would have the same effect on human beings or that the magic would work in any other country than that in which the berries grew What shall we do with the other four berries? asked Trot as she picked up her son on it marvelling that she had ever been small enough to ride in it They're no good to us now are they Captain? I'm not sure as to that he replied If they were eaten by one who had never eaten the lavender berries they might have no effect at all but then contrary wise they might One of them has gotten badly jammed so I'll throw it away but the other three I believe I'll carry with me They're magic things you know and may come handy to us some time He now searched in his big pocket and drew out a small wooden box with a sliding cover The sailor had kept an assortment of nails of various sizes in his box but those he now dumped loosely into his pocket and in the box placed the three sound purple berries When this important matter was attended to they found time to look about them and see what sort of place the orchard landed them in End of Chapter 6 The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording and LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Chapter 7 The Bumpy Man Narrated by Kelly Harmon Boone, North Carolina The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum The mountain on which they had alighted was not a barren waste but had on its sides patches of green grass some bushes, a few cylinder trees and here and there masses of tumbled rocks on the sides of the slope seemed rather steep but with care one could climb up or down them with ease and safety The view from where they now stood showed pleasant valleys and fertile hills lying below the heights Trot thought she saw some houses of queer shapes scattered about the lower landscape and there were moving dots that might be people or animals yet were too far away for her to see them clearly Not far from the place where they stood was the top of the mountain which seemed to be flat but opposed to his companions that he would fly up and see what was there That's a good idea because it's getting toward evening and we'll have to find a place to sleep The orc had not been gone more than a few minutes when they saw him appear on the edge of the top which was nearest them Come on up So Trot and Captain Bill began to ascend the steep slope and it did not take them long to reach the place where the orc awaited them Their first view of the mountaintop pleased them very much with a space of wider extent than they had guessed and upon it grew grass of a brilliant green color In the very center stood a house built of stone and very neatly constructed No one was in sight but smoke was coming from the chimney So with one accord all three began walking toward the house I wonder In what country we are and if it's very far from my home in California Can't say as to that partner Answered Captain Bill But I'm mighty certain we've come a long way since we struck that whirlpool Yes She agreed with a sigh It must be miles and miles Distance means nothing Said the orc I have flown pretty much all over the world trying to find my home and it is astonishing how many little countries there are hidden away in the cracks and corners of this big globe of earth If one travels he may find some new country at every turn and a good many of them have never yet been put upon the maps Perhaps this is one of them Suggested Trot They reached the house after a brisk walk and Captain Bill knocked upon the door It was at once opened by a rugged looking man who had bumps all over him as Trot afterward declared There were bumps on his head bumps on his body and bumps on his arms and legs and hands even his fingers had bumps on the ends of them For dress he wore an old gray suit of fantastic design which fitted him very badly because of the bumps it covered but could not conceal But the bumpy man's eyes were kind and twinkling in expression and as soon as he saw his visitors he bowed low and said in a rather bumpy voice Happy day Come in and shut the door for it grows cool when the sun goes down Winter is now upon us Why, it isn't cold a bit outside Said Trot So it can't be winter yet You will change your mind about that in a little while Declared the bumpy man My bumps always tell me the state of the weather and they feel just now as if a snowstorm was coming this way But make yourselves at home, strangers supper is nearly ready and there is food enough for all Inside the house there was but one large room simply but comfortably furnished It had benches, a table, and a fireplace all made of stone On the hearth a pot was bubbling and steaming and Trot thought it had a rather nice smell. The visitors seated themselves upon the benches except the orc which squatted by the fireplace and the bumpy man began stirring the kettle briskly May I ask what country this is sir inquired Captain Bill Goodness me, fruitcake and applesauce, don't you know where you are bumpy man as he stopped stirring and looked at the speaker in surprise No, admitted Captain Bill We've just arrived Lost your way Questioned the bumpy man Not exactly, said Captain Bill We didn't have any way to lose Ah Said the bumpy man, nodding his bumpy head This He announced in a solemn impressive voice Is the famous Land of Mo Oh exclaimed the sailor and the girl both in one breath but never having heard of the Land of Mo they were no wiser than before I thought that would stuttle you remarked the bumpy man well pleased as he resumed his stirring the orc watched him a while in silence and then asked Who may you be Me? Haven't you heard of me Gingerbread and lemon juice I'm known far and wide as the mountain ear They all received this information in silence at first for they were trying to think what he could mean Finally Trot mustered up the courage to ask What is a mountain ear, please For answer the man turned around and faced them waving the spoon with which he had been stirring the kettle as he recited the following verses in a sing-song tone of voice Here's a mountain heart of hearing that sad hearted and needs cheering so my duty is to listen to all sounds that nature makes so the hill won't get uneasy get coughing or get sneezy for this monster bump when frightened is quite liable to quakes You can hear a bell that's ringing I can feel some people singing but a mountain isn't sensible of what goes on and so when I hear a blizzard blowing or it's raining hard or snowing I tell it to the mountain and the mountain seems to know Thus I benefit all people while I'm living on this steeple for I keep the mountain steady so my neighbors all may thrive With my listening and my shouting I prevent this mount from spouting and that makes me so important that I'm glad that I'm alive When he had finished these lines of verse the bumpy man turned again to resume his stirring The orc laughed softly and Captain Bill whistled to himself and Trot made up her mind that the mountaineer must be a little crazy but the bumpy man seemed satisfied that he had explained his position fully and presently he placed four stone plates upon the table and then lifted the kettle from the fire and poured some of its contents on each of the plates Bill and Trot at once approached the table for they were hungry but when she examined her plate the little girl exclaimed Why, it's molasses candy To be sure returned the bumpy man with a pleasant smile Eat it quick while it's hot for it cools very quickly this winter weather With this he seized a stone spoon and began putting the hot molasses candy into his mouth while the others watched him in astonishment Doesn't it burn you? Asked the girl No, indeed Said he Aren't you hungry? Yes, she replied I am hungry, but we usually eat our candy when it is cold and hard We always pull molasses candy before we eat it Laughed the mountaineer What a funny idea Where in the world did you come from? California She said California? There isn't any such place I've heard of every place in the land of Moe but I never before heard of California It isn't in the land of Moe She explained Then it isn't worth talking about Declared the bumpy man helping himself again from the steaming kettle for he had been eating all the time he talked For my part Side Captain Bill I'd like a decent square meal or just by way of variety In the last place there was nothing but fruit to eat and here it's worse for there's nothing but candy Molasses candy isn't so bad Said Trot Mine's nearly cool enough to pull already Wait a bit Captain and you can eat it A little later she was able to gather the candy from the stone plate and began to work it back and forth with her hands The mountaineer was greatly amazed at this and watched her closely with candy and pull beautifully so that Trot was soon ready to cut it into chunks for eating Captain Bill condescended to eat one or two pieces and the orc ate several but the bumpy man refused to try it Trot finished the plate of candy herself and then asked for a drink of water Water Said the mountaineer wonderingly What is that Something to drink Don't you have water in Moe None that ever I heard of said he But I can give you some fresh lemonade I caught it in a jar the last time it rained which was only day before yesterday Oh does it rain lemonade here? She inquired Always and it is very refreshing and healthful With this he brought from a cupboard a stone jar and a dipper and the girl found it very nice lemonade indeed Captain Bill liked it too but the orc would not touch it If there is no water in this country I cannot stay here for long The creature declared Water means life to man and beast and bird There must be water in lemonade Said Trot Answered the orc I suppose so but there are other things in it too and they will spoil the good water The day's adventures had made our wanderers tired so the bumpy man brought them some blankets in which they rolled themselves and then lay down before the fire which their host kept alive with fuel all through the night Trot wakened several times and found the mountaineer always alert and listening intently for the slightest sound but the little girl could hear no sound at all except the snores of Captain Bill End of Chapter 7 The Scarecrow of Oz Chapter 8 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This chapter narrated by Kara Schellenberg The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 8 Buttonbright is lost and found again Wake up, wake up called the voice of the bumpy man Didn't I tell you winter was coming? I could hear it coming with my left ear and the proof is that it is now snowing hard outside Is it? said Trot rubbing her eyes and creeping out of her blanket Where I live in California I've never seen snow except far away on the tops of high mountains Well this is the top of a high mountain Returned the bumpy one And for that reason we get our heaviest snowfalls right here The little girl went to the window and looked out The air was filled with falling white flakes so large in size and so queer in form that she was puzzled Are you certain this is snow? She asked To be sure I must get my snow shovel and turn out to shovel a path Would you like to come with me? Yes She said and followed the bumpy man out when he opened the door Then she exclaimed Why it isn't cold a bit Of course not replied the man It was cold last night before the snowstorm But snow when it falls is always crisp and warm Trot gathered a handful of it Why it's popcorn She cried Certainly all snow is popcorn What did you expect it to be? Popcorn is not snow in my country Well it is the only snow we have so you may as well make the best of it Said he a little impatiently I'm not responsible for the absurd things that happen in your country and when you're in moe you must do as the moemen do Eat some of our snow and you will find it is good The only fault I find with our snow is that we get too much of it at times With this the bumpy man set to work shoveling a path that he piled up the popcorn in great banks on either side of the trail that led to the mountaintop from the plains below While he worked trot ate popcorn and found it crisp and slightly warm as well as nicely salted and buttered presently captain bill came out of the house and joined her What's this? he asked Moe snow said she But it isn't real snow from the sky it's popcorn Captain bill tasted it then he sat down in the path and began to eat The orc came out and pecked away with its bill as fast as it could They all liked popcorn and they all were hungry this morning Meantime the flakes of moe snow came down so fast that the number of them almost darkened the air The bumpy man was now shoveling quite a distance down the mountainside while the path behind him rapidly filled up with fresh fallen popcorn Suddenly trot heard him call out Goodness gracious Mince pie and pancakes here is someone buried in the snow She ran toward him at once and the others followed wading through the corn and crunching it underneath their feet The moe snow was pretty deep where the bumpy man was shoveling and from beneath a great bank of it he had uncovered a pair of feet Someone has been lost in the storm said Captain bill I hope he is still alive Let's pull him out and see He took hold of one foot and the bumpy man took hold of the other Then they both pulled and out from the heap of popcorn came a little boy He was dressed in a brown velvet jacket and knicker-bockers with brown stockings, buckled shoes and a blue shirt waist that had frills down its front When drawn from the heap he was chewing a mouthful of popcorn and both his hands were full of it So at first he couldn't speak to his rescuers but lay quite still and eyed them calmly until he had swallowed his mouthful Then he said Get my cap and stuffed more popcorn into his mouth While the bumpy man began shoveling into the corn bank to find the boy's cap trot was laughing joyfully and Captain bill had a broad grin on his face The orc looked from one to another and asked Who is this stranger? Why, it's Button Bright, of course Answered trot If anyone ever finds a lost boy he can make up his mind it's Button Bright But how he ever came to be lost in this faraway country is more than I can make out Where does he belong? inquired the orc His home used to be in Philadelphia, I think but I'm quite sure Button Bright doesn't belong anywhere That's right, said the boy nodding his head as he swallowed the second mouthful Everyone belongs somewhere remarked the orc Not me insisted Button Bright I'm halfway around the world from Philadelphia and I've lost my magic umbrella that used to carry me anywhere stands to reason that if I can't get back I haven't any home but I don't care much This is a pretty good country trot I've had lots of fun here By this time the mountain ear had secured the boy's cap and was listening to the conversation with much interest It seems you know this poor snow-covered cast away He said Yes, indeed We made a journey together to Sky Island once and we're good friends Well, that I'm glad I saved his life said the bumpy man Much obliged, Mr. Knobbs said Button Bright sitting up and staring at him I believe you saved anything except some popcorn that I might have eaten had you not disturbed me It was nice and warm in that bank of popcorn and there was plenty to eat What made you dig me out and what makes you so bumpy everywhere As for the bumps replied the man looking at himself with much pride I was born with them and I suspect they were a gift from the fairies They make me look rugged and big like the mountain I serve All right, said Button Bright and began eating popcorn again It had stopped snowing now and great flocks of birds were gathering around the mountainside eating the popcorn with much eagerness and scarcely noticing the people at all There were birds of every size and color most of them having gorgeous feathers and plumes Just look at them exclaimed the orc scornfully Aren't they dreadful creatures all covered with feathers I think they're beautiful said Trot and this made the orc so indignant that he went back into the house and sulked Button Bright reached out his hand and caught a big bird by the leg At once it rose into the air and it was so strong that it nearly carried the little boy with it He let go the leg in a hurry and the bird flew down again and began to eat of the popcorn not being frightened in the least This gave Captain Bill an idea He felt in his pocket and he drew out several pieces of stout string Moving very quietly so as not to alarm the birds he crept up to several of the biggest ones and tied cords around their legs thus making them prisoners The birds were so intent on their eating that they did not notice what had happened to them and when about twenty had been captured in this manner Captain Bill tied the ends of all the strings together and fastened them to a huge stone so they could not escape The bumpy man watched the old sailor's actions with much curiosity The birds will be quiet until they've eaten up all the snow He said But then they will want to fly away to their homes Tell me, sir, what will the poor things do when they find they can't fly? It may worry them a little replied Captain Bill They're not going to be heard if they take it easy and behave themselves Our friends had all made a good breakfast of the delicious popcorn and now they walked toward the house again Button Bright walked beside Trott and held her hand in his because they were old friends and he liked the little girl very much The boy was not so old as Trott and small as she was he was half a head shorter in height The most remarkable thing about Button Bright was that he was always quiet and composed whatever happened and nothing was ever able to astonish him Trott liked him because he was not rude and never tried to plague her Captain Bill liked him because he had found the boy cheerful and brave at all times and willing to do anything he was asked to do When they came to the house Trott sniffed the air and asked Don't I smell perfume? I think you do said the bumpy man You smell violets and that proves there is a breeze springing up from the south All our winds and breezes are perfumed and for that reason we are glad to have them blow in our direction The south breeze always has a violet hoder The north breeze has the fragrance of wild roses The east breeze is perfumed with lilies of the valley and the west wind with lilac blossoms So we need no weather vane to tell us which way the wind is blowing We have only to smell the perfume and it informs us at once Inside the house they found the orc and Button Bright regarded the strange bird-like creature with curious interest After examining it closely for a time he asked Which way does your tail whirl? Either way, said the orc Button Bright put out his hand and tried to spin it Don't do that! exclaimed the orc Why not? inquired the boy Because it happens to be my tail and I reserve the right to whirl it myself explained the orc Let's go and fly somewhere proposed Button Bright I want to see how the tail works Not now, said the orc I appreciate your interest in me which I fully deserve But I only fly when I'm going somewhere and if I get started I might not stop That reminds me remarked Captain Bill To ask you, friend orc How we are going to get away from here Get away exclaimed the bumpy man Why don't you stay here? You won't find any nicer place than Moe Have you been anywhere else, sir? No, I can't say that I have admitted the mountain ear Then permit me to say you're no judge declared Captain Bill But you haven't answered my question, friend orc How are we to get away from this mountain? The orc reflected a while before he answered I might carry one of you, the boy or the girl upon my back said he But three big people are more than I can manage although I have carried two of you for a short distance You ought not to have eaten those purple berries so soon Perhaps we did make a mistake Captain Bill acknowledged Or perhaps we might have brought some of those lavender berries with us instead of so many purple ones suggested trot regretfully Captain Bill made no reply to this statement which showed he did not fully agree with the little girl but he fell into deep thought with a wrinkled brows and finally he said If those purple berries would make anything grow bigger whether it had eaten the lavender ones or not I could find a way out of our troubles They did not understand this speech and looked at the old sailor as if expecting him to explain what he meant but just then a chorus of shrill cries rose from outside Here, let me go, let me go The voices seemed to say Down here, come and help us Trot ran to the window and looked out It's the birds you caught, Captain She said I didn't know they could talk Oh yes, all the birds and moe are educated to talk said the bumpy man Then he looked at Captain Bill uneasily and added Won't you let the poor things go? I'll see replied the sailor and walked out to where the birds were fluttering and complaining because the strings would not allow them to fly away Listen to me he cried and at once they became still We three people who are strangers in your land want to go to some other country and we want three of you birds to carry us there We know we're asking a great favor but it's the only way we can think of except walking and I'm not much good at that because I have a wooden leg Besides, trot and button-brack are too small to undertake a long and tiresome journey Now tell me, which three of you birds will consent to carry us? The birds looked at one another as if greatly astonished Then one of them replied You must be crazy old man not one of us is big enough to fly with even the smallest of your party I'll fix the matter of size promised Captain Bill If three of you will agree to carry us I'll make you big and strong enough to do it so it won't worry you a bit The birds considered this gravely living in a magic country they had no doubt but that the strange one-legged man could do what he said after a little one of them asked If you make us big will we stay big always? I think so replied Captain Bill They chattered a while among themselves and then the bird that had first spoken said I go for one so will I said another and after a pause a third said I'll go too Perhaps more would have volunteered for it seemed that for some reason they all longed to be bigger than they were but three were enough for Captain Bill's purpose and so he promptly released all the others who immediately flew away The three that remained were cousins and all were of the same brilliant plumage and in size about as large as eagles When Trot questioned them she found they were quite young having only abandoned their nests a few weeks before They were strong young birds with clear brave eyes and the little girl decided they were the most beautiful of all the feathered creatures she had ever seen Captain Bill now took from his pocket the wooden box with the sliding cover and removed the three purple berries which were still in good condition Eat these he said and gave one to each of the birds They obeyed finding the fruit very pleasant to taste In a few seconds they began to grow in size and grew so fast that Trot feared they would never stop but they finally did stop growing and then they were much larger than the orc and nearly the size of full grown ostriches Captain Bill was much pleased by this result You can carry us now all right said he The birds strutted around with pride highly pleased with their immense size I don't see though said Trot doubtfully How we're going to ride on their backs without falling off We're not going to ride on their backs answered Captain Bill I'm going to make swings for us to ride in He then asked the bumpy man for some rope but the man had no rope He had however an old suit of grey clothes which he gladly presented to Captain Bill who cut the cloth into strips and twisted it so that it was almost as strong as rope With this material he attached to each bird a swing that dangled below its feet and Button Bright made a trial flight in one of them to prove that it was safe and comfortable When all this had been arranged one of the birds asked Where do you Why just follow the orc said Captain Bill He will be our leader and wherever the orc flies you are to fly and wherever the orc lands you are to land Is that satisfactory The birds declared it was quite satisfactory so Captain Bill took counsel with the orc On our way here said that peculiar creature I noticed a broad sandy desert at the left of me on which was no living thing Then we'd better keep away from it replied the sailor Not so insisted the orc I have found on my travels that the most pleasant countries often lie in the midst of deserts so I think it would be wise for us to fly over this desert and discover what lies beyond it for in the direction we came from lies the ocean as we well know and beyond here is this strange land of Moe which we do not care to explore On one side as we can see from this mountain is a broad expanse of plain and on the other the desert For my part I vote for the desert What do you say, Tra? inquired Captain Bill It's all the same to me, she replied No one thought of asking Buttonbride's opinion so it was decided to fly over the desert They bad goodbye to the bumpy man and thanked him for his kindness and hospitality Then they seated themselves in the swings one for each bird and told the orc to start away and they would follow The whorl of the orc's tail astonished the birds at first but after he had gone a short distance they rose in the air carrying their passengers easily and flew with strong regular strokes of their great wings in the wake of their leader