 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. The Tin Woodmen of Oz by Frank L. Baum. Introduction The Tin Woodmen of Oz. A faithful story of the astonishing adventure undertaken by the Tin Woodmen assisted by Woot the Wanderer, Scarecrow of Oz, and Polychrome, The Rainbow's Daughter by L. Frank Baum, Royal Historian of Oz. This book is dedicated to the son of my son, Frank Elden Baum. To my readers. I know that some of you have been waiting for this story of the Tin Woodmen because many of my correspondents have asked me time and time again whatever became of the pretty Munchkin girl, whom Nick Chopper was engaged to marry before the wicked witch enchanted his axe and he traded his flesh for Tin. I too have wondered what became of her, but until Woot the Wanderer interested himself in the matter, the Tin Woodmen knew no more than we did. However, he found her after many thrilling adventures as you will discover when you have read this story. I am delighted at the continued interest of both young and old India stories. A learned college professor recently wrote me to ask, for years of what age are your books intended? It puzzled me to answer that properly until I had looked over some of my letters I had received. One says, I am a little boy five years old and I just love your Oz stories. My sister who is writing this for me reads me the Oz books, but I wish I could read them myself. Another letter says, I am a great girl 13 years old so you will be surprised when I tell you that I am not too old yet for the Oz stories. Here is another letter. Since I was a young girl I have never missed getting a bomb book for Christmas. I am married now, but I am as eager to get and read the Oz stories as ever. And still another writes, my good wife and I both more than 70 years of age believe that we find more real enjoyment in your Oz books than in any other books we read. Considering these statements I wrote the college professor that my books are intended for all those whose hearts are young no matter what their ages may be. I think I am justified in promising that there will be some astonishing revelations about the magic of Oz in my book for 1919. Always your loving and grateful friend, L. Frank Baum, Royal Historian of Oz. Ozcott at Alley Wood in California, 1918. End of the introduction. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Luke Nelson. The Tin Woodman of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 1. Root the Wanderer The Tin Woodman sat on his glittering tin throne in the handsome tin hall of his splendid tin castle in the winky country of the land of Oz. Beside him in a chair of woven straw sat his best friend the Scarecrow of Oz. At times they spoke to one another of various things they had seen and strange adventures they had known since first they too had met and become comrades. But at times they were silent for these things had been talked over many times between them and they found themselves contented in merely being together speaking now and then a brief sentence proved they were wide awake and attentive. But then these two quaint persons never slept. Why should they sleep when they never tired? And now as the brilliant sun sank low over the winky country of Oz tinting the glistening tin towers in the tin minarets of the tin castle with glorious sunset hues that approached along a winding pathway Root the Wanderer who met at the castle entrance a winky servant. Servants of the tin woodman all wore tin helmets and tin breastplates and uniforms covered with tiny tin discs sewed closely together on the silver cloth so that their bodies sparkled as beautifully as did the tin castle and almost as beautifully as did the tin woodman himself. Root the Wanderer looked at the man's servant all bright and glittering and at that magnificent castle all bright and glittering and as he looked his eyes grew big with wonder for Root was not very big and not very old Wanderer though he was this proved the most gorgeous sight that had ever met his boyish gaze. He lives here, he asked. The emperor of the winkeys who is a famous tin woodman of Oz replied the servant who had been trained to treat all strangers with courtesy. A tin woodman how queer exclaimed the little wanderer well perhaps our emperor is queer admitted the servant but he is a kind master and as honest and true as good tin can make him so we who gladly serve him are apt to forget that he is not like other people may I see him? asked Root the Wanderer after a moment's thought if it please you to wait a moment I will go and ask him said the servant and then he went into the hall where the tin woodman sat with his friend the scarecrow both were glad to learn that a stranger had arrived at the castle for this would give them something new to talk about so the servant was asked to admit the boy at once by the time Root the wanderer had passed through the grand corridors all lined with ornamental tin and under stately tin archways and through the many tin rooms all set with beautiful tin furniture his eyes had grown bigger than ever and his whole little body thrilled with amazement but how astonished though he was he was able to make a polite bow before the throne and to say in a respectful voice I salute your illustrious majesty and offer you my humble services very good answered the tin woodman in his accustomed cheerful manner tell me who you are and whence you came I am known as Root the wanderer answered the boy and I have come through many travels and by roundabout ways from my former home in a far corner of the gilligan country of Oz to wander from one's home remarked the scarecrow is to encounter dangers and hardships especially if one is made of meat and bone had you no friends in that corner of the gilligan country was it not home like and comfortable to hear a man stuffed with straw speak and speak so well startle Root and perhaps he stared a bit rudely at the scarecrow but after a moment he replied I had home and friends your honorable strawness but they were so quiet and happy and comfortable that I found them dismally stupid nothing in that corner of Oz interested me but I believed that in other parts of the country I would find strange people and see new sights and so I set out upon my wandering journey I have been a wanderer for nearly a full year and now my wanderings have brought me to this blended castle I suppose said the tin woodman that in this year you have seen so much you have become very wise now replied Root thoughtfully I'm not at all wise I beg to assure your majesty the more I wander the less I find that I know for in the land of Oz much wisdom in many things may be learned to learn is simple don't you ask questions inquired the scarecrow yes I ask as many questions as I dare that some people refuse to answer questions that is not kind of them declared the tin woodman if one does not ask for information he seldom receives it so I for my part make it a rule to answer any civil question that is asked me so do I added the scarecrow and nodding I'm glad to hear this said the wanderer for it makes me bold to ask for something to eat bless the boy cried the emperor of the winkies how careless of me not to remember that wanderers are usually hungry I will have food brought to you at once saying this he blew upon a tin whistle that was suspended from his tin neck and at the summons a certain appeared and bowed low the tin woodman ordered food for the stranger in a few minutes the servant brought in a tin tray heaped with a choice hurray of good things to eat all neatly displayed on tin dishes that were polished till they shone like mirrors the tray was set upon a tin table drawn before the throne and the servant placed a tin chair before the table for the boy to seat himself eat friend wanderer said the emperor cordially and I trust the feast will be to your liking I myself do not eat being made in such manner that I'd require no food to keep me alive neither does my friend the scarecrow but all my winky people eat being formed of flesh and you are so my tin cupboard is never bare and strangers are always welcome to whatever it contains the boy ate in silence for a time being really hungry but after his appetite was somewhat satisfied he said how happened your majesty to be made of tin and still be alive that replied the tin man is a long story the longer the better said the boy won't you please tell me the story if you desire it promise the tin woodman leaning back in his tin throne and crossing his tin legs I haven't related my history in a long while because everyone here knows it nearly as well as I do but you being a stranger no doubt curious to learn how I became so beautiful and prosperous so I will recite for your benefit my strange adventures thank you said the wanderer still eating I was not always made of tin began the emperor for in the beginning I was a man of flesh and bone and blood and lived in the munchkin country of Oz there I was by trade a wood chopper and contributed my share to the comfort of the Oz people by chopping up the trees of the forest to make firewood with which the women could cook their meals while the children warmed themselves about the fires for my home I had a little hut by the edge of the forest and my life was one of much content until I fell in love with a beautiful munchkin girl who lived not far away what was the munchkin girl's name asked woot nimi ami this girl so fair that the sunsets flushed with their rays fell upon her lived with the powerful witch who wore silver shoes and who had made the poor child her slave nimi ami was obliged to work from morning till night for the old witch of the east scrubbing and sweeping her hut and cooking her meals and washing her dishes she had to cut firewood too until I found her one day in the forest and fell in love with her after that I always brought plenty of firewood to nimi ami and we became very friendly finally I asked her to marry me and she agreed to do so but the witch happened to overhear our conversation and it made her very angry for she did not wish her slave to be taken away from her the witch commanded me never to come near nimi ami again but I told her I was my own master and would do as I pleased not realizing that this was a careless way to speak to a witch the next day as I was cutting wood in the forest the cruel witch enchanted my axe so that it slipped and cut off my right leg how dreadful cried woot the wanderer yes it was a seeming misfortune agreed the tin man for a one-legged wood chopper is of little use in his trade but I would not allow the witch to conquer me so easily I knew a very skilled mechanic at the other side of the forest who was my friend so I hopped on one leg to and asked him to help me he soon made me a new leg out of tin and fastened it cleverly to my meat body it had joints at the knee and at the ankle and was almost as comfortable as the leg I had lost your friend must have been a wonderful workman exclaimed gloot he was indeed admitted the emperor he was a tin smith by trade and could make anything out of tin when I returned to Nimmy and me the girl was delighted and threw her arms around my neck and kissed me declaring she was proud of me the witch saw the kiss and was more angry than ever when I went to work in the forest next day my axe being still enchanted slipped and cut off my other leg again I hopped on my tin leg to my friend the tin smith who kindly made me another tin leg and fastened it to my body so I returned joyfully to Nimmy and me who was much pleased with my glittering legs and promised that when we were wed she would always keep them oiled and polished but the witch was more furious than ever and as soon as I raised my axe to chop it twisted around and cut off one of my arms the tin smith made me a tin arm and I was not much worried because Nimmy and me declared she still loved me The Tin Woodman of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 2 The Heart of the Tin Woodman The Emperor of the Winkies paused in his story to reach for an oil can with which he carefully oiled the joints in his tin throat for his voice had begun to squeak a little Woot the wanderer having satisfied his hunger watched the oiling process with much curiosity but begged the tin man to go on with his tale The witch with the silver shoes hated me for having to fight her resumed the Emperor his voice now sounding clear as a bell and she insisted that Nimmy and me should never marry me therefore she made the enchanted axe cut off my other arm and the tin smith also replaced that member with tin including these finely jointed hands that you see me using but alas after that the axe still enchanted by the cruel witch cut my body in two so that I fell to the ground then the witch who was watching from the nearby bush rushed up and seized the axe and chopped my body into several small pieces after which thinking that at last she had destroyed me she ran away laughing in wicked glee but Nimmy and me found me she picked up my arms and legs and head and made a bundle of them and carried them to the tin smith who set to work and made me a fine body of pure tin when he had joined the arms and legs to the body and set my head in the tin collar I was a much better man than ever for my body could not ache or pain me and I was so beautiful and bright that I had no need of clothing clothing is always a nuisance because it soils and tears and has to be replaced but my tin body only needs to be oiled and polished Nimmy and me still declared she would marry me as she still loved me in spite of the witch's evil deeds the girl declared I would make the brightest husband in all the world which was quite true however the wicked witch was not yet defeated when I returned to my work the axe slipped and cut off my head which was the only part of me than remaining moreover the old woman grabbed up my severed head and carried it away with her and hit it but Nimmy and me came into the forest and found me wandering around helplessly because I could not see where to go and she led me to my friend the tin smith the faithful fellow at once set to work to make me a tin head and he had just completed it when Nimmy and me came running up with my old head which she had stolen from the witch but on reflection I considered the tin head far superior to the neat one I am wearing it yet so you can see its beauty and gray soft outline and the girl agreed with me that a man all made of tin was far more perfect than one formed of different materials the tin smith was as proud of his workmanship as was I for the three whole days all admired me and praised my beauty being now completely formed of tin I had no more fear of the wicked witch for she was powerless to injure me Nimmy and me said we must be married at once for then she could come to my cottage and live with me and keep me bright and sparkling I am sure my dear Nick said the brave and beautiful girl my name then was Nick Chopper you should be told that you will make the best husband for any girl could have I shall not be obliged to cook for you for now you do not eat I shall not have to make your bed for tin does not tire or require sleep when we go to a dance you will not get weary before the music stops and say you want to go home all day long while you are chopping wood in the forest I shall be able to amuse myself in my own way a privileged few wives enjoy there is no temper in your new head so you will not get angry with me finally I shall take pride in being the wife of the only life tin woodman in all the world which shows that Nimmy Ami was as wise as she was brave and beautiful I think she was a very nice girl said Woot the Wanderer but tell me please why were you not killed when you were chopped to pieces in the land of Oz replied the emperor no one can ever be killed man with a wooden leg or a tin leg is still the same man but I lost parts of my meat body by decrees I always remained the same person as in the beginning even though in the end I was all tin and no meat I see said the boy thoughtfully and did you marry Nimmy Ami no answered the tin woodman I did not she said she still loved me but I found that I no longer loved her the tin body contained no heart without a heart no one can love so the wicked witch conquered in the end and when I left the Munchkin country of Oz the pearl or a girl was still the slave of the witch and had to do her bidding day and night where did you go asked Woot well I first started out to find a heart so I could love Nimmy Ami again but hearts are more scarce than one would think one day in a big forest that was strange to me my joints suddenly became rusted because I had forgotten to oil them there I stood unable to move hand or foot and there I continued to stand while days came and went until Dorothy and the scarecrow came along and rescued me they oiled my joints and sent me free and I've taken good care never to rest again who was this Dorothy questioned the wanderer a little girl who happened to be in a house when it was carried by a cyclone all the way from Kansas to the land of Oz when the house fell in the Munchkin country it fortunately landed on the wicked witch and smashed her flat it was a big house and I think the witch is under it yet no said the scarecrow correcting him Dorothy says the witch turned to dust and the wind scattered the dust in every direction well continued the tin woodman after meeting the scarecrow and Dorothy I went with them to the emerald city where the wizard of Oz gave me a heart but the wizard's stock of hearts was low and he gave me a kind heart instead of a loving heart so that I could not love Nimi and me anymore than I did when I was heartless couldn't the wizard give you a heart that was both kind and loving asked the boy no that was what I asked for but he said he was so short on hearts that just then that there was but one in stock and I could take that or none at all so I accepted it and I must say that for it's kind it is a very good heart indeed it seems to me said wound musingly that the wizard fooled you it can't be a very kind heart you know why not demanded the emperor because it was unkind of you to desert the girl who loved you and who had been faithful and true to you and you were in trouble had the heart the wizard gave you been a kind heart you would have gone back home and made the beautiful munchkin girl your wife and then brought her here to be an empress and live in your splendid tin castle the tin woodman was so surprised at this frank speech that for a time he did nothing but stare hard at the boy wandering but the scarecrow whacked his stuff head to head and said in a positive tone the boy is right I've often wondered myself why you didn't go back and find that poor munchkin girl then the tin woodman stared hard at his friend the scarecrow but finally he said in a serious tone of voice I must admit that never before have I thought of such a thing as finding Nimi Ami and making her empress of the Winkies but it is surely not too late even now to do this for the girl must still be living in the munchkin country and since this strange wanderer has reminded me of Nimi Ami I believe it is my duty to set out and find her surely it is not the girl's fault that I no longer love her and so if I can make her happy it is proper that I should do so and in this way reward her for her faithfulness quite right my friend to create the scarecrow will you accompany me on this errand as the tin emperor of course said the scarecrow and will you take me along to eat and root the wanderer in an eager voice to be sure said the tin woodman if you care to join our party it was you who first told me it was my duty to find and marry Nimi Ami and I'd like you to know that Nick Chopper the tin emperor of the Winkies is a man who never shirks his duty once it is pointed out to him it ought to be a pleasure as well as a duty if the girl is so beautiful said root well pleased with the idea of the adventure beautiful things may be admired if not loved deserted the tin man flowers are beautiful for instance but we are not inclined to marry them duty on the contrary is a bugle call to action whether you are inclined to act or not in this case I have obeyed the bugle call of duty when shall we start inquired the scarecrow who is always glad to impart upon a new adventure I don't hear any bugle but when do we go as soon as we can get ready answered the emperor I'll call my servants at once and order them to make preparations for our journey End of Chapter 2 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Luke Nelson The Tin Woodmen of Oz by Elfrink Baum Chapter 3 Roundabout Wood the Wanderer slept that night in the tin castle of the Emperor of the Winkies and found his tin bed quite comfortable Early the next morning he rose and took a walk through the gardens where there were tin fountains and beds of curious tin flowers and where tin birds perched upon the branches of tin trees and sang songs that sounded like the notes of tin whistles All these wonders had been made by the clever Winky Tinsmiths who wound the birds up every morning so that they would move about and sing After breakfast the boy went into the throne room where the Emperor was having his tin joints carefully oiled by a servant while other servants were stuffing sweet fresh straw into the body of the scarecrow Who watched this operation with much interest? For the scarecrow's body was only a suit of clothes filled with straw The coat was buttoned tight to keep the packed straw from falling out and a rope was tied around the waist to hold it in the shape and prevent the straw from snagging down The scarecrow's head was a gunny sack filled with bran on which the eyes, nose, and mouth had been painted His hands were white cotton gloves stuffed with fine straw Who noticed that even when carefully stuffed and padded into shape the straw man was awkward in his movements and decidedly wobbly on his feet so the boy wondered if the scarecrow would be able to travel with them all the way to the forests of the Munchkin country of Oz The preparations made for this important journey were very simple An app sack was filled with food and given Woot the Wander to carry upon his back for the food was for his use alone The tin woodman shouldered an axe which was sharp and brightly polished and the scarecrow put the emperor's oil can in his pocket that he might oil his friend's joints should they need it Who will govern the Winky country during your absence? asked the boy Why the country will run itself? answered the emperor As a matter of fact my people do not need an emperor for Ozma of Oz watches over the welfare of Oz her subjects including the Winkies Like a good many kings and emperors I have a grand title but very little real power which allows me time to amuse myself in my own way The people of Oz have but one law to obey which is behave yourself So it is easy for them to abide by this law and you'll notice they behave very well but it is time for us to be off and I am eager to start because I suppose that that poor munchkin girl is anxiously awaiting my coming She's waited a long time already seems to me remarked the scarecrow as they left grounds in the castle and followed the path that Lady scored True replied the tin woodman but I've noticed that the last end of the way however long it has been is the hardest to endure so I must try to make Nimi Ami happy as soon as possible Ah that proves you have a kind heart remarked the scarecrow approvingly It's too bad he hasn't a loving heart said Woot This tin man is going to marry a nice girl through kindness and not because he loves her and somehow that doesn't seem quite right Even so I am not sure it isn't the best for the girl said the scarecrow who seemed very intelligent for a straw man for a loving husband is not always kind while a kind husband is sure to make any girl content Nimi Ami will become an empress announced the tin woodman proudly I shall have a tin gown made for her with tin ruffles and tux on it and she shall wear tin slippers and tin earrings and bracelets and wear a tin crown on her head I am sure that will delight Nimi Ami for all girls are fond of finery Are we going to the Munchkin country by way of the Emerald City inquired the scarecrow who looked upon the tin man as the leader of the party I think not was the reply we are engaged upon a rather delicate adventure for we are seeking a girl who fears her former lover has forgotten her it will be rather hard for me you must admit when I confessed to Nimi Ami that I have come to marry her because it is my duty to do so and therefore the fewer witnesses there are to our meeting the better for both of us after I have found Nimi Ami and she has managed to control her joy at our reunion I shall take her to the Emerald City and introduce her to Osma and Dorothy and to Betsy Bobbin and Tiny Trot and all our other friends but if I remember rightly poor Nimi Ami has a sharp tongue when angry and she may be a trifle angry with me at first because I have been so long in coming to her I can understand that said root gravely but how can we get to that part of the Munchkin country where you once lived without passing through the Emerald City why that is easy the tin man assured him I have a map of Oz in my pocket persisted the boy and it shows that the Winky country where we now are is at the west of Oz and the Munchkin country at the east while directly between them lies the Emerald City true enough but we shall go toward the north first of all into the Gellikin country and so pass around the Emerald City explained the tin woodman that may prove a dangerous journey replied the boy I used to live in one of the top corners of the Gellikin country near to Ogaboo and I have been told that in this north land country are many people whom it is not pleasant to me I was very careful to avoid them during my journey south a wanderer should have no fear observed this scarecrow who was wobbling along in a funny half hazard manner but keeping pace with his friends fear does not make one a coward returned loot growing a little red in the face but I believe it is more easy to avoid danger than to overcome it the safest way is the best way even for the one who is brave and determined do not worry for we shall not go far to the north or hurt my one idea is to avoid the Emerald City without going out of our way more than is necessary once around the Emerald City we will turn south into the Munchkin country where the scarecrow and I are well acquainted and have many friends I have traveled some in the Gellikin country remarked the scarecrow and while I must say I have met some strange people there at times I have never yet been harmed by them while it is all the same to me said Woot with assumed carelessness dangers when they cannot be avoided are often quite interesting and I am willing to go wherever you two venture to go so they left the path they had been following and began to travel toward the northeast and all that day they were in the pleasant minky country and all the people they met saluted the Emperor with great respect and wished him good luck on his journey at night they stopped at a house where they were well entertained and where Woot was given a comfortable bed to sleep in were the scarecrow and I alone said that in Woodman we would travel by night as well as by day but a meat person in our party we must halt at night to permit him to rest meat tires after a day's travel added the scarecrow while strung him never tired at all which proves said he that we are somewhat superior to people made in the common way Woot could not deny that he was tired and he slept soundly until morning when he was given a good breakfast smoking hot you two miss a great deal by not eating he said to his companions it is true responded the scarecrow we miss suffering from hunger when food cannot be had and we miss a stomach ache now and then as he said this the scarecrow glanced at the Tim Woodman who nodded his assent all that second day they traveled steadily entertaining one another the while with stories of adventures they had formerly met and listening to the scarecrow recite poetry he had learned a great many poems from Professor Wogglebug and loved to repeat them whenever anybody would listen to him of course Woot and the Tim Woodman now listen because they cannot do otherwise unless they rudely ran away from their stuffed comrade one of the scarecrow's recitations was like this what sound is so sweet as the straw from the wheat when it crinkles so tender and low it is yellow and bright so it gives me delight to crinkle wherever I go sweet fresh golden straw there is surely no flaw in his stuffing so clean and compact it creaks while I walk and it thrills when I talk and its fragrance is fine for a fact to cut me don't hurt for I have no blood to squirt and I therefore can suffer no pain this straw that I used doesn't lump up her bruise though it's pounded again and again I know it is said that my beautiful head has brains of mixed wheat-strawn bran but my thoughts are so good I'd not change if I could for the brains of a common meat man content with my lot I'm glad that I'm not like others that I meet day by day if my insides get musty or must up or dusty I get newly stuffed right away This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Luke Nelson The Tin Woodmen of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 4 The Loons of Loonville Toward evening the travelers found there was no longer a path to guide them and the purple hues of the grass and trees warned them that they were now in the country of the Gillikins where strange people dwelt in places that were quite unknown to the other inhabitants of Oz The fields were wild and uncultivated and there were no houses of any sort to be seen but our friends kept on walking even after the sun went down hoping to find a good place for Woot the Wanderer to sleep It grew quite dark and the boy was weary with his long walk They halted right in the middle of the field and allowed Woot to get his supper from the food he carried in his knapsack Then the scarecrow laid himself down so that Woot could use his stuffed body as a pillow and the Tin Woodmen stood up beside them all night so the dampness of the ground might not rest his joints or dull his brilliant polish Whenever the dew settled on his body carefully wiped it off with a cloth and so in the morning the Emperor shone as brightly as ever in the rays of the rising sun They wakened the boy at daybreak the scarecrow saying to him We have discovered something queer and therefore we must counsel together what to do about it What have you discovered? Asked Woot rubbing sleep from his eyes with his knuckles and giving three wide yawns to prove he was fully awake A sign said the Tin Woodmen A sign, another path What does the sign say? inquired the boy It says that all strangers are warned not to follow this path to Luneville answered the scarecrow who could read very well when his eyes had been freshly painted In that case said the boy opening his knapsack to get some breakfast let us travel in some other direction but this did not seem to please either of his companions I'd like to see what Luneville looks like remarked the Tin Woodmen When one travels it is foolish to miss any interesting sight added the scarecrow but a warning means danger protested Woot the Wander and I believe it sensible to keep out of danger whenever we can They made no reply to this speech for a while Then said the scarecrow I've escaped so many dangers during my lifetime that I'm not much afraid of anything that can happen Or am I exclaimed the Tin Woodmen swinging his glittering axe around his tin head in a series of circles Few things can injure Tin and my axe is a powerful weapon to use against a foe Our boy friend he continued looking solemnly at Woot might perhaps be injured if the people of Luneville are really dangerous so I propose he waits here while you and I, friend scarecrow visit the forbidden city of Luneville Don't worry about me advised Woot calmly wherever you wish to go I will go and share your dangers During my wanderings I have found it more wise than to venture in but at that time I was alone and now I have two powerful friends to protect me So when he had finished his breakfast they all set out along the path that led to Luneville It is a place I've never heard of before remarked the scarecrow as they approached a dense forest The inhabitants may be people of some sort or they may be animals but whatever they proved to be we will have an interesting story to adorn the endosma on our return The path led into the forest but the big trees grew so closely together and the vines in the underbrush were so thick and matted that they had to clear a path at each step in order to proceed In one or two places the tin man who went first to clear the way cut the branches with a blow of his axe Woot followed next and last of the three came the scarecrow who could not have kept the path that all had not his comrades broken the way for his straw stuffed body Presently the tin woodman pushed his way through some heavy underbrush and almost tumbled headlong into a vast cleared space in the forest The clearing was circular, big and roomy yet the top branches of the tall trees reached over and formed a complete dome or roof over it Strangely enough it was not dark in this immense natural chamber in the woodland For the place glowed with a soft white light that seemed to come from some unseen source In the chamber were grew dozens of queer creatures and though it is so astonished the tin man that Woot had to push his metal body aside that he might see too and the scarecrow pushed Woot aside so that up the three travelers stood in a row staring with all their eyes The creatures they beheld were round and ball-like round in body, round in legs and arms round in hands and feet and round of head The only exception to the roundness was a slight hollow on the top of each head making it saucer shaped instead of dome shaped They wore no clothes on their puffy bodies nor had they any hair Their skins were all of a light gray color and their eyes were mirror-purple spots Their noses were as puffy as the rest of them Are they rubber do you think? asked the scarecrow who noticed that the creatures bounded as they moved and seemed almost as light as air It is difficult to tell what they are answered Woot They seemed to be covered with warts The loons, for so these folks were called had been doing many things some playing together some working at tasks and some gathered in groups to talk They had the sound of strange voices which echoed rather loudly through the clearing all turned in the direction of the intruders Then, in a body they all brushed forward running and bounding with tremendous speed The tin woodman was so surprised by this sudden dash that he had no time to raise his axe before the loons were on them The creatures swung their puffy hands which looked like boxing gloves and pounded the three travelers as hard as they could on all sides The blows were quite soft and did not hurt our friends at all but the onslaught quite bewildered them so that in a brief period all three were knocked over and fell flat upon the ground Once again many of the loons held them to prevent them from getting up again while others wound long tendrils of vines about them finding their arms and legs to their bodies and so rendering them helpless Aha! tried the biggest loon of all We've got him safe so let's carry him to King Ba and have him tried and condemned and perforated They had to drag their captives to the center of the dome chamber for their weight as compared with that of the loons prevented their being carried Even the scarecrow was much heavier than the puffy loons But finally the party halted before a raised platform on which a sort of throne consisting of a big wide chair with a string tied to one arm fit This string led upward to the roof of the dome Arranged before the platform the prisoners were allowed to sit up basing the empty throne Good! said the big loon who had commanded the party Now to get King Ba to judge these terrible creatures so we have also bravely captured As he spoke he took hold of the string and began to pull as hard as he could One or two of the others helped him and pretty soon as they drew in the court the leaves above them parted and a loon appeared at the other end of the string Didn't take long to draw him down to the throne where he seated himself and was tied in so he wouldn't float upward again Hello! said the king blinking his purple eyes at his followers What's up now? Strangers, Your Majesty Strangers and captives replied the big loon pompously Dear me, I see him I see him very plainly exclaimed the king his purple eyes bulging out as he looked at the three prisoners What curious animals are they dangerous you think Santa? I'm afraid so, Your Majesty Of course, they may not be dangerous but we mustn't take chances enough accidents happen to as poor loons as it is My advice is to condemn and perforate as quickly as possible Keep your advice to yourself said the monarch in a peeve tone Whose king here anyhow? You or me? We made you our king because common sense than the rest of us answered pantaloon indignantly I could have been king myself had I wanted to but I didn't care for the hard work and responsibility As he said this the big loon strutted back and forth in a space between the throne of King Val and the prisoners and the other loons seemed much impressed by his defiance but suddenly there came a sharp report and pantaloon instantly disappeared to the great astonishment of the scarecrow the tin woodman and the wander who saw on the spot where the big fellow had stood a little heap of flabby wrinkled skin that looked like a collapsed rubber balloon There exclaimed the king I expected that what happened the conceited rascal wanted to puff himself up until he was bigger than the rest of you and this is the result of his folly get the pump working some of you and blow him up again you will have to mend the puncture first your majesty suggested one of the loons and the prisoners noticed that none of them seemed surprised or shocked at the sad accident of Panta alright grumbled the king fetch till to mend him one or two ran away and presently returned followed by a lady loon wearing huge puffed up rubber skirts also she had a purple feather pass into a wart on the top of her head around and around her waist was a sash of viper like vines dried and tough that looked like streams get to work till commanded king ball Panta has just exploded the lady loon picked up bunch of skin examined it carefully until she discovered a hole in one foot then she pulled a strand of string from her sash and drawing the edges of the hole together she tied them fast with the string thus making one of those furious warts which the strangers had noticed on so many loons having done this till toss the bit of skin to the other loons and was about to go away when she noticed the prisoners and stopped to inspect them dear me said till what dreadful creatures where did they come from he captured them replied one of the loons and what are you going to do with them inquired the girl loon perhaps we'll condemn them answered the king well said she still I'm the I'm not sure though puncture let's try it and see one of the loons ran to the forest's edge and quickly returned with a long sharp thorn he glanced at the king who nodded his head in a scent and then he rushed forward and stuck the thorn into the leg of the scarecrow the scarecrow merely smiled and said nothing for the thorn didn't hurt him at all then the loon tried to prick the tin woodman's leg but the tin only blunted the point of the thorn just as I thought said till blinking her purple eyes and shaking her puffy head but just then the loon stuck the thorn into the leg of the wanderer and while it had been blunted somewhat it was still sharp enough to hurt ouch! yelled Woot and kicked out his leg with so much energy that the frail bonds that tied him burst apart his foot caught the loon who was leaning over him full on his puffy stomach and sent him shooting up into the air when he was high over their heads he exploded with a loud pop and his skin fell to the ground I really believe said the king rolling his spot like eyes in a frightened way that Panto was right in claiming these prisoners are dangerous is the pump ready some of the loons had wheeled a big machine in front of the throne and now took Panto's skin and began to pump air into it slowly it swelled out until the king cried stop no, yelled Panto, I'm not big enough yet you're as big as you're going to be declared the king before you exploded you were bigger than the rest of us and that caused you to be proud and overbearing now you're a little smaller than the rest and you'll last longer and be more humble pump me up, pump me up wailed Panto if you don't you'll break my heart if we do we'll break your skin, replied the king so the loons stopped pumping air into Panto and pushed him away from the pump he was certainly more humble than before his accident for he crept into the background and said nothing more now pump up the other one ordered the king till had already mended him and the loons sent to work to pump him full of air during these last few moments none had paid much attention to the prisoners so whooped finding his legs free crept over to the tin woodman and rubbed the bonds that was still around his arms and body against the sharp edge of the axe which quickly cut them the boy was now free and the thorn which the loon had stuck into his leg was lying unnoticed on the ground where the creature had dropped it when he exploded whooped leaned forward and picked up the thorn and while the loons were busy watching the pump the boy sprang to his feet and suddenly rushed upon the ground pop, pop, pop went three of the loons when the wanderer pricked them with his thorn and at the sounds the others looked around and saw their danger with yells of fear they bound away in all directions scattering about the clearing with whooped the wanderer in full chase while they could run much faster than the boy they often stumbled and fell or got in one another's way so he managed to catch several and prick them with his thorn astonished him to see how easily the loons exploded when the air was let out of them they were quite helpless till loon was one of those who ran against his thorn and many others suffered the same fate the creatures could not escape from the enclosure but in their fright many bound it upward and caught the branches of the trees and then climbed out for each of the dreaded thorn whooped was getting pretty tired chasing them so he stopped and came over panting to where his friends were sitting still bound very well done my wanderer said the tin woodman it is very evident that we need fear these puffed up creatures no longer so be kind enough to unfasten our bonds and we will proceed upon our journey we untied the bonds of the scarecrow and helped him get to his feet then he freed the tin woodman who got up without help looking around them they saw that the only loon now remaining within reach was ball loon the king who had remained seated in his throne watching the punishment of his people with a bewildered look in his purple eyes shall I puncture the king the boy asked his companions king ball must have overheard the question before he fumbled with the cord that fastened him through and managed to release it then he floated upwards until he reached the leafy dome and parting the branches he disappeared from sight but the string that he was tied to his body was still connected with the arm of the throne and they knew they could pull his majesty down again if they wanted to let him alone suggested the scarecrow a good enough king for his peculiar people and after we are gone the loons will have something of a job to pump up all those whom root has punctured every one of them ought to be exploded declared root who was angry because his leg still hurt him no said the tin woodman that would not be just fair they were quite right to capture us because we had no business to intrude here we had been warned to keep away from loomville this is their country not ours and since the poor things can't get out of the clearing they can harm no one save those who venture out here of curiosity as we did well said my friend agreed the scarecrow we really had no right to disturb their peace and comfort so let us go away they easily found the place where they had forced their way into the enclosure so the tin woodman pushed aside the underbrush and started first along the path the scarecrow followed next and last came woot who looked back and saw that the looms were still cleaning to their perches on the trees and watching their former captives with frightened eyes I guess they're glad to see the rest remarked the boy and laughing at the happy ending of the adventure he followed his comrades along the path end of chapter 4 this is a livery vox recording all livery vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liveryvox.org this reading by loop nelson the tin woodman of oz by elfrink bomb chapter 5 mrs. hupe the giantess when they had reached the end of the path where they had first seen the warning sign they set off across the country in an easterly direction before long they reached rolling lands which were a succession of hills and valleys distant climbs and descents were required and their journey now became tedious because on climbing each hill they found before them nothing in the valley below it except grass or weeds or stones up and down they went for hours with nothing to leave them in not any of the landscape until finally when they had talked to higher hill than usual the cup shaped valley before then in the center of which stood an enormous castle built of purple stone the castle was high and broad and long but had no turrets and towers so far as they could see there was but one small window on the end of one big door on each side of the great building this is strange the scarecrow I had no idea such a big castle existed in the gullican country I wonder who lives here it seems to me from this distance that it's the biggest castle I ever saw it is really too big for any use and no one could open or shut those big doors without a step ladder perhaps if we go near find out whether anybody lives there or not suggested woot looks to me as if nobody lived there on they went and when they reached the center of the valley where the great stone castle stood it was beginning to grow dark so they hesitated as to what to do if friendly people happen to live here said woot I shall be glad of a bed but should enemies occupy the place I prefer to sleep upon the ground and if no one at all lives here at this scarecrow we can enter and take possession and make ourselves at home while speaking he went nearer to one of the great doors which was three times as high and broad as any he had ever seen in house before and then he discovered engraved in big letters upon a stone over the doorway the words yoop castle oh ho he exclaimed I know this place now this was probably the home of Mr. Yoop a terrible giant who I have seen before confined in a cage a long way from here therefore this castle is likely to be empty and we may use it in any way we please I remember Mr. Yoop but how are we to get into his deserted castle the latch of the door is so far above our heads that none of us can reach it they considered this problem for a while then woot said to the tin man if I stand upon your shoulders I think I can unlatch the door climb up then was the reply and when the boy was perched upon the tin shoulders of Nick Chopper he was just able to reach the latch and erase it at once the door swung open its great hinges making a groaning sound as if in protest so woot leaped down and followed his companions into a big bare hallway scarcely were the three inside however when they heard the door slam behind them and this astonished them because no one had touched it it had closed of its own accord as if by magic moreover this the latch was on the outside and the thought occurred to each of one of them that they were now prisoners in this unknown castle however mumbled the scarecrow we are not to blame for what cannot be helped and see what may be seen it was quite dark in the hallway now that the door outside was shut so as they stumbled along a stone passage they kept close together not knowing what danger was likely to befall them suddenly a soft glow enveloped them it grew brighter until they could see their surroundings distinctly they had reached the end of the passage and before them was another huge door this noiselessly swung open before them without the help of anyone and through the doorway they observed a big chamber the walls of which were lined with plates of pure gold highly polished this room was also lighted although they could discover no lamps the center of it was a great table at which sat an immense woman she was clad in silver robes and embroidered with big floral designs and wore over this blended garment a short apron of elaborate lace work such an apron was no protection and was not in keeping the handsome gown but the huge woman wore it nevertheless the table at which she sat was spread with a white cloth and they had golden dishes upon it so the travelers saw that they had surprised the giantess while she was eating her supper she had her back toward them and did not even turn around but taking a biscuit from a dish she began to butter it and said in a voice that was big but not especially unpleasant why don't you come in and allow the door to shut you're causing a drought and I shall catch cold and sneeze when I sneeze I get cross when I get cross I'm liable to do something wicked come in you foolish strangers come in being thus urged they entered the room and approached the great table until they stood the giantess she continued eating but smiled in a curious way as she looked at them who noticed that the door had closed silently after they entered and that didn't please him at all well said the giantess what excuse have you to offer we didn't know anyone lived here madam explained the scarecrow so being travelers and strangers in these parts we decided to find place for our boyfriend to sleep we ventured to your castle you knew it was a private property I suppose said she buttering another biscuit we saw the words youp castle over the door but we knew that Mr. Youp is a prisoner in a cage in a far off part of the land of Oz so we decided that there was no one home and that we might use the castle for the night I see remarked the giantess nodding her head and smiling again in that curious way a way that made Youp shudder you didn't know that Mr. Youp was married or that after he was cruelly captured his wife still lived in his castle and ran it to suit herself who captured Mr. Youp asked Root looking gravely at the big woman wicked enemies people who selfishly objected to Youps taking their cows and sheep for his food I must admit however that Youp had a bad temper and had the habit of knocking over a few houses now and then when he was angry so one day the little folks came in a great crowd and captured Mr. Youp taking him away into a cage somewhere in the mountains I don't know where it is and I don't care for my husband treated me badly at times for getting the respect a giant owes to a giantess often he kicked me on my shins when I wouldn't wait on him so I'm glad he's gone it's a wonder the people didn't capture you too remarked Root however for them said she giving a sudden laugh that caused such a breeze that the wobbly scarecrow was almost blown off his feet and had to grab his friend Nick Chopper to steady himself I saw the people coining continued Mrs. Youp and knowing they meant mischief I transformed myself into a mouse and hid in a cupboard after they had gone away and my husband with them I transformed myself back into my former shape again and here I've lived in peace and comfort ever since are you a witch then inquired Root well not exactly a witch she replied but I'm an artist in transformation in other words I'm more of a yukuhu than a witch and of course you know the yukuhus are the cleverest magic workers in the world the travelers were silent for a time uneasily considering this statement and the effect it might have on their future no doubt the giantess had willfully made them her prisoner yet she spoke so cheerfully in her big voice that until now they had not been alarmed in the least by and by the darkro who mixed whose mixed brains had been working steadily asked the women are we to consider you our friend mrs yuk or do you intend to be our enemy I never have friends she said in a matter of back tone because friends get too familiar and always forget to mind their own business but I am not your enemy not yet anyhow I am glad you have come my life here is rather lonely I have had no one to talk to since I transformed polychrome the daughter of the rainbow into a canary bird how did you manage to do that asked the tin woodman in amazement polychrome is a powerful fairy she was said the giantess but now she is a canary bird one day after rain polychrome danced the rainbow and fell asleep on a little mound in this valley not far from my castle the sun came out and drove the rainbow away and before poly awakened I stole out and transformed her into a canary bird in a gold cage studded with diamonds the cage was so she couldn't fly away I expected she seeing and talk and we'd have good times together but she has proved no company for me at all ever since the moment of her transformation she has refused to speak a single word where is she now inquired woot who had heard tales of lovely polychrome and was much interested in her the cage is hanging up in my bedroom said the giantess eating another biscuit the travelers were now more suspicious of the giantess than before if polychrome the rainbow's daughter who was a real fairy had been transformed and enslaved by this huge woman that claimed to be a yukuhu what was liable to happen to them said the scar crow twisted his stuffed head around in mrs. yuk's direction do you know mound who we are of course said she a strong man a tin man and a boy we are very important people declared to tin women all the better she reply I shall enjoy your society the more on that account for I mean to keep you here as long as I live to amuse me when I get lonely and she had slowly in this valley no one ever dies they didn't like this speech at all so the scar crow frown in a way that made mrs. yuk smile while the tin wooden looked so fierce that mrs. yuk laughed the scar crow suspected she was going to laugh so he slipped behind his friends to escape the wind from her breath from this safe position he said warningly we have powerful friends who will soon come to each other let them come she returned with an accent of scorn when they get here they will find neither boy nor a tin man nor a scar crow for tomorrow morning I intend to transform you all into other shapes so that you cannot be recognized this threat filled them with dismay the good nature giant is more terrible than they had imagined she could smile and wear pretty clothes at the same time be even more cruel than her wicked husband had been both the scar crow and the tin wooden tried to think of some way to escape from the castle before morning but she seemed to read their thoughts and shook her head don't worry your poor brain said she you can't escape me however hard you tried but why should you wish to escape I shall give you new forms that are much better than the ones you now have be contented with your fate or discontent leads to unhappiness and unhappiness in any form is the greatest evil that can befall you what forms do you intend to give us ask root earnestly I haven't decided as yet I'll dream for it tonight so in the morning I shall have made up my mind how to transform you perhaps you'd prefer to choose your own transformations no said root I prefer to remain as I am that's funny she retorted you are little and you're weak as you are you're not much account anyhow the best thing about you is that you're alive for I shall be able to make you some sort of live creature which will be a great improvement on your present form she took another biscuit from a plate and dipped it in a pot of honey and calmly began eating it the scarecrow watched her thoughtfully there are no fields of grain in your valley said he were then did you get the flower to make your biscuits mercy me do you think I'd bother to make biscuits out of flour she replied that is all together too tedious a process for a yukuhu I sent some tracks this afternoon and caught a lot of field mice but as I do not like to eat mice I transform them into hot biscuits for my supper the honey in this pot was once a wasps nest but since being transformed it has become sweet and delicious all I need to do when I wish to eat is to take something I don't care to keep and transform it into any sort of food I like and eat it are you hungry I don't eat thank you said the scarecrow nor do I said the tin woodman I have still a natural little food in my knapsack said whoot the wander I'd rather eat that than any wasps nest everyone to his taste said the giant his perilously and having now finished her supper she rose to her feet clipped her hands together and the supper table at once disappeared End of Chapter 5 This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Luke Nelson The Tin Woodman of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 6 The Magic of a Yukuhu Woot had seen very little of magic during his wanderings while the scarecrow and the tin woodman had seen a great deal of many sorts in their lives yet all three were greatly impressed by Mrs. Yuk's powers she did not affect any mysterious heirs or indulgence or mystic rites as most witches do nor was the giant his old and ugly or disagreeable in face or manner nevertheless she frightened her prisoners more than any which could have done please be seated she said to them down in a great armchair that spread her beautiful embroidered skirts for them to admire but all the chairs in the room were so high that our friends could not climb to the seats of them Mrs. Yuk observed this and waved her hand when instantly a golden ladder appeared leaning against the chair opposite her own climb up said she and they obeyed the tin woodman and the boy and the more clumsy scarecrow when they were all seated in a row on the cushion of the chair the giant his continued now tell me how you happen to travel in this direction and where you came from and what your errand is so the tin woodman told her all about Nimi Ami and how he decided to find her and marry her although he had no loving heart the story seemed to amuse the big woman who then began to ask scarecrow questions for the first time in her life heard of Osma of Oz and of Dorothy and Jack Pumpkinhead and Dr. Pip and Tik Tok and many other Oz people who were well known in the Emerald City also Woot had to tell his story which was very simple and did not take long the giant just laughed heartily when the boy related their adventures at loonbill but said she knew nothing of the loons because she never left her valley there are wicked people who would like to capture me as they did my giant husband Mr. You said she so I stay at home and mind my own business if Osma knew that you dared to work magic she would punish you severely declared this scarecrow for this castle is in the land of Oz and no persons in the land of Oz are permitted to work magic except Glinda the good and the little wizards who lives with Osma in the Emerald City that for your Osma exclaimed the giant snapping her fingers in derision what do I care for a girl whom I have never seen and who has never seen me but Osma as a fairy said the tin woodman and therefore she is very powerful also we are under Osma's protection and to injure us in any way would make her extremely angry what I do here in my own private castle in this secluded valley where no one comes but foals like you can never be known to your the Osma return the giantess do not seek to frighten me from my purpose and do not allow yourselves to be frightened for it is best to meet bravely what cannot be avoided I am now going to bed and in the morning I will give you all new forms such as will be more interesting to me than the ones you now wear good night and pleasant dreams saying this mrs u prose from her chair and walked through a doorway into another room so heavy was the tread of the giantess that even the walls of the big stone castle trembled as she stepped she closed the door of her bedroom behind her and then suddenly the light went out and the three prisoners found themselves in total darkness the tin woodman in the scarecrow didn't mind the dark at all but with the wanderer felt worried to be left in this strange place in this strange manner without being able to see any danger that might threaten the big woman might have given me a bed anyhow he said to his companions and scarcely had he spoken when he felt something press against his legs which were then dangling from the seat of the chair weaning down he put out his hand and found that a bedstead had appeared with mattress sheets and covers all complete he lost no time in slipping down upon the bed and was soon fast asleep during the night the scarecrow and the emperor talked in low tones together and they got out of the chair and moved all about the room feeling for some hidden spring that might open a door or window and permit to escape morning found them still unsuccessful in the quest and as soon as it was daylight woots bed suddenly disappeared and he dropped to the floor with a thump that quickly wakened him and after a time the giant came from her bedroom wearing another dress that was quite as elaborate as the one in which he had been attired in the evening before and also wearing having seated herself in a chair she said I'm hungry so I'll have breakfast at once she clapped her hands together and instantly the table appeared before her spread with snowing linen and laden with golden dishes but there was no food upon the table nor anything else except a pitcher of water a bundle of weeds and a handful of pebbles but the giant poured some water into her coffee pot patted it once or twice with her hand and then poured out a cup full of steaming hot coffee would you like some she asked woot he was suspicious of magic coffee but it smells so good that he could not resist it so he answered if you please madam the giant just poured out another cup and set it on the floor for woot it was as big as a tub and the golden spoon in the saucer to side the cup was so heavy the boy could sparsely lift it but woot managed to get a sip of the coffee and found it delicious Mrs. Ube next transformed the weeds into a dish of oatmeal which she ate for it with good appetite now then said she picking up the pebbles I'm wondering whether I shall have fish balls or lamb chops to complete my meal which would you prefer woot the wanderer if you please I'll eat the food in my knapsack answered the boy your magic food might taste good but I'm afraid of it the woman laughed at his fears and transformed the pebbles into fish balls I suppose you think that after you had eaten this food it would turn to stones again and make you sit it would be impossible nothing I transform ever gets back into its former shape again so I have to be careful of my transformations she added busily eating while she topped for while I can change forms at will I can never change them back again which proves that even the powers of a clever yuku who are limited when I have transformed you three people you must always wear the shapes that get in you then please don't transform us pegged woot for we are quite satisfied to remain as we are I'm not expecting to satisfy you but intend to please myself she declared and my pleasure is to give you new shapes for if by chance your friends came in search of you not one of them would be able to recognize you her tone was so positive it would be useless to protest the woman was not unpleasant to look at her face was not cruel her voice was big but gracious in tone but her words showed that she possessed a merciless heart and no pleadings would alter her wicked purpose Mrs. Yu took ample time to finish her breakfast and the prisoners had no desire to hurry her but finally the meal was concluded and she folded her napkin and made the table disappear by clapping her hands together then she turned to her captives and said the next thing on the program is to change your forms have you decided what forms to give us as the scarecrow uneasily yes I dreamed it all out while I was asleep this tin man seems a very solemn person indeed the tin woodman was looking solemn just then for he was greatly disturbed so I shall change him into an owl all she did was point one finger at him as she spoke but immediately the form of the tin woodman began to change and in a few seconds Nick Chopper the emperor of the Wingies had been transformed into an owl with eyes as big as saucers and a hooked beak and strong claws but he was still tin he was a tin owl with tin legs and beacon eyes of feathers when he flew to the back of a chair and perched upon it his tin feathers rattled against one another with a tinny clatter the giant has seemed much amused by the tin owl's appearance for her laugh was big and jolly you're not liable to get lost said she for your wings and feathers will make a racket wherever you go and on my word a tin owl is so rare and pretty that it is an improvement on the ordinary bird I did not intend to make you tin but I forgot to wish you to be neat however tin you were and tin you are and as it's too late to change you now that settles it until now the scarecrow had rather doubted the possibility of Mrs. Upes being able to transform him or his friend the tin woodman for they were not made as ordinary people are he had worried more over what might happen to Woot than to himself but now he began to worry about himself Madam he said hastily I consider this action very impolite it may even be called rude considering we are your guests you are not my guests for I did not invite you here she replied perhaps not but we craved hospitality we threw ourselves upon your mercy so to speak and we now find you have no mercy therefore if you will excuse the expression I must say it is downright wicked to take our proper forms away from us and give us others we do not care for are you trying to make me angry she asked Browning by no means said the scarecrow I am just trying to make you act more lady like oh indeed in my opinion Mr. scarecrow you are now acting like a bear so a bear you shall be again the dreadful finger pointed this time in the scarecrow's direction and at once his form began to change in a few seconds he had become a small brown bear but he was stuffed with straws he had been before and when the little brown bear shuffled across the floor he was just as wobbly as the scarecrow had been and moved just as awkwardly Woot was amazed but he also was thoroughly frightened did it hurt he asked the little brown bear no of course not growled the scarecrow in the bear's form but I don't like talking on four legs it's undignified consider my humiliation chirped the dino trying to settle its tin feather smoothly with its tin beef and I can't see very well either the light seems to hurt my eyes that's because you are an owl said Woot I think you will be able to see better in the dark well remarked the giantess very pleased with these new forms for my part and I am sure you will like them better when you get used to them so now she added turn to the boy it is your turn don't you think you better leave me as I am asked Woot in a trembling voice no she replied I'm going to make a monkey of you I love monkeys they're so cute and I think a green monkey will be fun and amuse me when I am sad Woot shivered for again this terrible magic finger pointed and pointed directly his way he felt himself changing not so very much however and it didn't hurt him a bit he looked down at his lens and body and found that his clothes were gone and his skin covered with a fine silk like green fur his hands and feet were now a monkey he realized he really was a monkey and the first feeling was one of anger he began to chatter his monkey stew he bounded to the seat of a giant chair and then to its back and with a wild leap sprang upon the lacking giantess his idea was to seize her chair and pull it out by the roots and so have revenge on her wicked transformations but she raised her hand and said gently my dear monkey gently you're not angry you're happy as can be woot stop short no he wasn't a bit angry now he felt as good humor and gay as ever when he was a boy instead of pulling this his uke's hair he perched on her shoulder and smoothed her soft cheek with his hairy paw in her turn she smiled at the funny animal and patted his head very good said the giantess let us all become friends and happy together how is my tin owl feeling quite comfortable said the owl I don't like it to be sure but I'm not going to allow my new form to make me unhappy but tell me please what is a tin owl good for you are only good to make me laugh replied the giantess will stuff bear also make you laugh inquired the scarecrow sitting back on his haunches to look up at her of course declared the giantess and I have added a little magic to your transformations to make you all contented with wearing your new forms I'm sorry I didn't think to do that when I transformed polychrome into a canary bird but perhaps when she sees how cheerful you are she will cease to be silent and soul and take to singing I will go get the bird and let you see her with this Mrs. Eup went into the next room and soon returned bearing golden cage in which sat upon a swinging perch a lovely yellow canary polychrome said the giantess permit me to introduce you to a green monkey which used to be a boy called Woot the Wanderer and a tin owl which used to be a tin woodman named Nick Chopper and a stuffed straw little brown bear which used to be a live scarecrow we already know one another declared the scarecrow the bird is polychrome the rainbow's daughter and she and I used to be good friends are you really my old friend the scarecrow asked the bird in a sweet low voice there cried Mrs. Eup that's the first time she had spoken since she was transformed I am really your old friend answered the scarecrow but you must pardon me for appearing just now in this brutal form I am a bird as you are dear poly said the tin woodman but alas the tin owl is not as beautiful as a canary bird how dreadful it all is inside the canary couldn't you manage to escape from this terrible yukuhu no answered the scarecrow we tried to escape but failed she first made us her prisoners and then transformed us but how did she manage to get you polychrome I was asleep and she took a fair advantage of me answered the bird sadly had I been awake I could easily have protected myself tell me said the green monkey earnestly as he came close to the cage what must we do daughter of the rainbow to escape from these transformations can't you help us being a fairy at present I am powerless to help even myself reply the canary that's the exact truth exclaimed the giantess who seemed pleased to hear the bird talk even though it complained you are all helpless and in my power so you may as well make up your minds to accept your fate and be content remember that you are transformed for good since no magic on earth can break your enchantments I am now going out for my morning walk for each day after breakfast I walk 16 times around my castle for exercise lose yourselves while I am gone and when I return I want to find you all reconciled and happy so the giantess walked to the door by which our friends had entered the great hall and spoke one word open then the door swung open and after mrs. you had passed out it closed again with a snap and its powerful bolt shot into place the green monkey had rushed towards the opening hoping to escape too late and only got a bump on his nose as the door slammed shut and of chapter 6 this is a livery vox recording all livery vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liveryvox.org this reading by loop nelson the tin woodman of oz by elf rink bomb chapter 7 the lace apron now said the canary in a tone more brisk than before we may talk together more freely as mrs. youp cannot hear us perhaps we can figure out a way to escape open said loop the monkey still facing the door but his command had no effect and he slowly rejoined the others you cannot open any door window in this enchanted castle unless you are wearing the magic apron said the canary what magic apron do you mean asked the tin owl in a curious voice the lace one which the giantess always wears I've been her prisoner in this cage for several weeks and she hangs my cage in her bedroom every night so she can keep her eye on me explained polychrome the canary therefore I've discovered that it is the magic apron that opens the doors and windows and nothing else can move them when she goes to bed mrs. youp hangs her apron on the bed post and one morning she forgot to put it on when she commanded the door to open and the door would not move so then she put on the lace apron and the door obeyed her that was how I learned the magic power of the apron I see I see I said the little brown bear wagging his stuffed head then if we could get the apron from mrs. youp we could open the doors and escape from our prison that is true and it is the plan I was about to suggest replied polychrome the canary bird however I don't believe the owl could steal the apron or even the bear but perhaps the monkey could hide in her room at night and get the apron while she is asleep I'll try it said root the monkey I'll try it this very night if I can manage to steal into her bedroom you mustn't think about it though warrants the bird for she can read your thoughts whenever she cares to do so do not forget before you escape to take me with you once I am out of the power of the giantess I may discover a way to save us all we won't forget our fairy friend promised the boy but perhaps you can tell me how to get into the bedroom no, declared polychrome I cannot advise you as to do that you must watch for a chance and slip in when mrs. youp isn't looking they talked it over for a while and then mrs. youp returned when she entered the door opened suddenly at her command and closed as soon as her huge form had passed through the doorway during that day she entered her bedroom several times on one errand or another and always she commanded the door to close behind her and her prisoners found not the slightest chance to leave the big hall in which they were confined the green monkey thought it would be wise to make a friend of the big woman so as to gain her confidence so he sat on the back of her chair and chattered to her while she minted her stockings and sewed silver buttons on some golden shoes that were as big as row boats this pleased the giantess and she would pause at times to pat the monkey's head the little brown bear curled up in a corner and lay still all day the owl and the canary found that they could converse together in a bird language which neither the giantess nor the bear nor the monkey could understand so at times they twittered away to each other and passed a long journey way day quite carefully after dinner Mrs. Upe took a big fiddle from the cupboard and played such loud and dreadful music that her prisoners were all thankful when at last she stopped and said she was going to bed after her cautioning the monkey and bear and owl to behave themselves during the night she picked up the cage containing the canary and going to the door of her bedroom commanded it open just then however she remembered she had left her fiddle lying upon a table so she went backward and put it away in the cupboard and while her back was turned the green monkey slipped through the open door into her bedroom and hid underneath the bed the giantess being sleepy did not notice this and entering her room she made the door closed behind her and then hung the bird cage on a peg by the window then she began to undress first by taking off the lace apron and laying it over the bed post where it was within easy reach of her hand as soon as Mrs. Upe was in bed and the lights all went out and Woot the monkey pushed under the bed and waited patiently until he heard the giantess snoring and he crept out and in the dark felt around until he caught hold of the apron which he at once tied around his own ways next Woot tried to find the canary and there was just enough moonlight showing through the window to enable him to see where the cage hung but it was out of his reach at first he was tempted to leave Polychrome and escape with his other friends but remembering his promise to the rainbow's daughter Woot tried to think how to save her a chair stood near the window and this showing dimly in the moonlight gave him an idea by pushing against it with all his might he found that he could move the giant chair a few inches at a time so he pushed and pushed until the chair was beneath the bird cage he sprang noiselessly upon the seat for his monkey form enabled him to jump higher than he could do as a boy and from there to the back of the chair and so managed to reach the cage and take it off the peg then down he sprang to the floor and made his way to the door open he commanded and at once the door obeyed and swung open but his voice awakened Mrs. U who gave a wild cry and sprang out of bed with one bound the green monkey dashed through the doorway carrying the cage with him and before the giantist could reach the door it slammed shut and imprisoned her in her own bed chamber the noise she made pounding upon the door and her yells of anger and dreadful threats of vengeance filled all our friends with terror and Woot the monkey was so excited that in the dark he could not find the door of the hall but the tin owl could see very nicely in the dark so he guided his friends to the right place and when all were grouped before the door Woot commanded it to open the magic apron proved as powerful as when it had been worn by the giantist so a moment later they had rushed through the passage and were standing in the fresh night air outside the castle wherever they willed