 INTRODUCTION OF THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ by L. FRANK BAUM. INTRODUCTION. Folklore, legends, myths, and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories fantastic, marvelous, and manifestly unreal. The winged fairies of Grimm and Anderson have brought more happiness to childish hearts than all other human creations. Yet the old-time fairy tale, having served for generations, may now be classed as historical in the children's library, for the time has come for a series of newer wonder tales in which the stereotyped genie, dwarf, and fairy are eliminated, together with all the horrible and blood-curdling incidents devised by their authors to point a fearsome moral to each tale. Modern education includes morality. Therefore, the modern child seeks only entertainment in its wonder tales and gladly dispenses with all disagreeable incident. Having this thought in mind, the story of the wonderful Wizard of Oz was written solely to please children of today. It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale in which the wondermen and joy are retained and the hard aches and nightmares are left out. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 1 The Cyclone Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies, with Uncle Henry, who was a farmer, and Aunt M., who was the farmer's wife. Their house was small, for the lumber to build it had to be carried by wagon many miles. There were four walls, a floor, and a roof, which made one room, and this room contained a rusty-looking cook-stove, a cupboard for the dishes, a table, three or four chairs, and the beds. Uncle Henry and Aunt M. had a big bed in one corner, and Dorothy a little bed in another corner. There was no garret at all, and no cellar, except a small hole dug in the ground, called a cyclone cellar, where the family could go in case one of those great whirlwinds arose mighty enough to crush any building in its path. It was reached by a trap-door in the middle of the floor, from which a ladder led down into the small, dark hole. When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad sweep of flat country that reached to the edge of the sky in all directions. The sun had baked the plowed land into a gray mass, with little cracks running through it. When the grass was not green, for the sun had burned the tops of the long blades, until they were the same gray color to be seen everywhere. Once the house had been painted, but the sun blistered the paint, and the rains washed it away, and now the house was as dull and gray as everything else. When Aunt M. came there to live, she was a young, pretty wife. The sun and wind had changed her, too. They had taken the sparkle from her eyes and left them a sober gray. They had taken the red from her cheeks and lips, and they were gray also. She was thin and gaunt, and never smiled now. When Dorothy, who was an orphan, first came to her, Aunt M. had been so startled by the child's laughter that she would scream, and press her hand upon her heart whenever Dorothy's merry voice reached her ears, and she still looked at the little girl with wonder that she could find anything to laugh at. Uncle Henry never laughed. He worked hard from morning till night, and did not know what joy was. He was gray also, from his long beard to his rough boots, and he looked stern and solemn, and rarely spoke. It was Toto that made Dorothy laugh, and saved her from growing as gray as her other surroundings. Toto was not gray. He was a little black dog, with long silky hair, and small black eyes that twinkled merrily on either side of his funny wee nose. Toto played all day long, and Dorothy played with him, and loved him dearly. Today, however, they were not playing. Uncle Henry sat upon the doorstep, and looked anxiously at the sky, which was even grayer than usual. Dorothy stood in the door with Toto in her arms, and looked at the sky, too, and M. was washing the dishes. From the far north they heard a low wail of the wind, and Uncle Henry and Dorothy could see where the long grass bowed in waves before the coming storm. There now came a sharp whistling in the air from the south, and as they turned their eyes that way they saw ripples in the grass coming from that direction also. Suddenly Uncle Henry stood up. There's a cyclone coming, M. He called to his wife. I'll go look after the stock. Then he ran toward the sheds where the cows and horses were kept. Aunt M. dropped her work, and came to the door. One glance told her of the danger close at hand. She screamed. Toto jumped out of Dorothy's arms, and hid under the bed, and the girl started to get him. Aunt M. badly frightened threw open the trapped door in the floor, and climbed down the ladder into the small dark hole. Dorothy caught Toto at last, and started to follow her aunt. When she was half way across the room there came a great shriek from the wind, and the house shook so hard that she lost her footing, and sat down suddenly upon the floor. Then a strange thing happened. The house whirled around two or three times, and rose slowly through the air. Dorothy felt as if she were going up in a balloon. The north and south winds met where the house stood, and made it the exact center of the cyclone. In the middle of a cyclone the air is generally still, but the great pressure of the wind on every side of the house raised it up, higher and higher, until it was at the very top of the cyclone. And there it remained, and was carried miles and miles away as easily as you could carry a feather. It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her, but Dorothy found she was riding quite easily. After the first few whirls around, and one other time when the house tipped badly, she felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle. Toto did not like it. He ran about the room, now here, now there, barking loudly, but Dorothy sat quite still on the floor, and waited to see what would happen. Once Toto got too near the open drop-door, and fell in, and at first the little girl thought she had lost him, but soon she saw one of his ears sticking up through the hole, for the strong pressure of the air was keeping him up, so that he could not fall. She crept to the hole, caught Toto by the ear, and dragged him into the room again, afterward closing the trap-door so that no more accidents could happen. Hour after hour passed away, and slowly Dorothy got over her fright, but she felt quite lonely, and the wind shrieked so loudly all about her that she nearly became deaf. At first she had wondered if she would be dashed to pieces when the house fell again, but as the hours passed and nothing terrible happened she stopped worrying, and resolved to wait calmly and see what the future would bring. At last she crawled over the swaying floor to her bed, and lay down upon it, and Toto followed and lay down beside her. In spite of the swaying of the house and the wailing of the wind, Dorothy soon closed her eyes and fell fast asleep. End of Chapter 1, Narration by Kara Schallenberg. Chapter 2 of The Wonderful Wizard 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. Narrated by Jennifer Stearns. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 2 The Council with the Munchkins. She was awakened by a shock, so sudden and severe, that if Dorothy had not been lying on the soft bed she might have been hurt. As it was, the jar made her catch her breath and wonder what had happened, and Toto put his cold little nose into her face and whined dismally. Dorothy sat up and noticed that the house was not moving, nor was it dark. The bright sunshine came in at the window, flooding the little room. She sprang from her bed, and with Toto at her heels ran it open the door. Little girl gave a cry of amazement and looked about her, her eyes growing bigger and bigger at the wonderful sights she saw. The cyclone had set the house down very gently, for a cyclone, in the midst of a country of marvelous beauty. There were lovely patches of green's word all about, with stately trees bearing rich and luscious fruits. Banks of gorgeous flowers were on every hand, and birds with rare and brilliant plumage sang and flooded in the trees and bushes. A little way off was a small brook, rushing and sparkling along between green banks and murmuring in a voice very grateful to a little girl who had lived so long in the dry grape prairies. While she stood, looking eagerly, at the strange and beautiful sights, she noticed coming toward her a group of the queerest people she had ever seen. They were not as big as the grown folk she had always been used to, but neither were they very small. In fact, they seemed about as tall as Dorothy, who was a well-grown child for her age, although they were, so far as looks go, many years older. Three were men and one a woman and all were oddly dressed. They wore round hats that rose to a small point, a foot above their heads, with little bells around their brims that tinkled sweetly as they moved. The hats of the men were blue, the little woman's hat was white, and she wore a white gown that hung in pleats of her shoulders. Over it were sprinkled little stars that glistened in the sun-like diamonds. The men were dressed in blue of the same shade as their hats, and wore well-polished boots with a deep roll of blue at the tops. The men, Dorothy thought, were about as old as Uncle Henry, for two of them had beards, but the little woman was doubtless much older. Her face was covered with wrinkles, her hair was nearly white, and she walked rather stiffly. When these people drew near the house, where Dorothy was standing in the doorway, they paused and whispered among themselves, as if afraid to come further. Both a little old woman walked up to Dorothy, made a low bow, and said in a sweet voice, You are welcome, most noble sorceress, to the land of the munchkins. We are so grateful to you for having killed the wicked witch of the east, and for setting our people free from bondage. Dorothy listened to this speech with wonder. What could the little woman possibly mean by calling her a sorceress, and saying she had killed the wicked witch of the east? Dorothy was an innocent, harmless little girl, who had been carried by a cyclone many miles from home, and she had never killed anything in all her life, but the little woman evidently expected her to answer. So Dorothy said, with hesitation, You are very kind, but there must be some mistake. I have not killed anything. Your house did, anyway, replied the little old woman with a laugh, And that is the same thing, see? Dorothy continued, pointing to the corner of the house. There are her two feet, still sticking out from under a block of wood. Dorothy looked, and gave a little cry of fright. There indeed, just under the corner of the great beam the house rested on, two feet were sticking out, shot in silver shoes, with pointed toes. Oh, tear, oh, tear! cried Dorothy, clasping her hands together in dismay. The house must have fallen on her. Whatever shall we do? There is nothing to be done, said the little woman, calmly. But who was she, asked Dorothy? She was the wicked witch of the east, as I said. Answered the little woman. She has held all the munchkins in bondage for many years, making them slave for her night and day. Now they are all set free, and are grateful to you for the favor. Who are the munchkins? inquired Dorothy. They are the people who live in this land of the east, where the wicked witch ruled. Are you a munchkin? asked Dorothy. No, but I am their friend, although I live in the land of the north. When they saw the witch of the east was dead, the munchkins sent a swift messenger to me, and I came at once. I am the witch of the north. Oh, gracious! cried Dorothy. Are you a real witch? Yes, indeed. answered the little woman. But I am a good witch, and the people love me. I am not as powerful as the wicked witch was who ruled here, or I should have set the people free myself. But I thought all witches were wicked, said the girl, who was half-frightened at facing a real witch. Oh, no! That is a great mistake. There were only four witches in all the land of Oz, and two of them, those who live in the north and the south, are good witches. I know this is true, for I am one of them myself, and cannot be mistaken. Those who have dwelt in the east and the west were, indeed, wicked witches. But now that you have killed one of them, there is but one wicked witch in all the land of Oz, the one who lives in the west. But, said Dorothy, after a moment's thought, Aunt M has told me that the witches were all dead, years and years ago. Who is Aunt M? inquired the little old woman. She is my aunt who lives in Kansas, where I came from. The witch of the north seemed to think for a time, where she either had bowed at her eyes upon the ground, then she looked up and said, I do not know where Kansas is, for I have never heard that country mentioned before. But tell me, is it a civilized country? Oh, yes, cried Dorothy. Then that accounts for it. In the civilized countries, I believe, there are no witches left, nor wizards, nor sorceresses, nor magicians. But you see, the land of Oz has never been civilized, for we are cut off from all the rest of the world. Therefore we still have witches and wizards amongst us. Who are the wizards? asked Dorothy. Oz himself is the great wizard. answered the witch, sinking her voice to a whisper. He is more powerful than all the rest of us together. He lives in the city of Emeralds. Dorothy was going to ask another question, but just then the Munchkins, who had been standing silently by, gave a loud shout and pointed to the corner of the house, where the wicked witch had been lying. What is it? asked the little old woman, and looked and began to laugh. The feet of the dead witch had disappeared entirely, and nothing was left but the silver shoes. She was so old! explained the witch of the north. That she dried up quickly in the sun. That is the end of her. But the silver shoes are yours, and you shall have them to wear. She reached down and picked up the shoes, and after shaking the dust out of them, handed them to Dorothy. The witch of the east was proud of those silver shoes. said one of the Munchkins. And there is some charm connected with them, but what it was, we never knew. Dorothy had to carry the shoes into the house and place them on the table. Then she came out again to the Munchkins and said, I am anxious to get back to my aunt and uncle, for I am sure they will worry about me. Can you help me find my way? The Munchkins and the witch first looked at one another, and then at Dorothy, and then shook their heads. At the east, not far from here, said one, there was a great desert, and none could live to cross it. It is the same at the south, said another. For I have been there and seen it. The south is the country of the quadlings. I am told, said the third man, that it is the same at the west, and that country where the Winkies live is ruled by the wicked witch of the west, who would make you her slave if you passed her way. The north is my home, said the old lady, and at its edge is the same great desert that surrounds this land of Oz. I am afraid, my dear, you will have to live with us. Dorothy began to sob at this, for she felt lonely among all these strange people. Her tears seemed to grieve the kindhearted Munchkins. They immediately took her out their handkerchiefs and began to weep also. As for the little old woman, she took off her cap and balanced the point on the end of her nose while she counted. One, two, three. In a solemn voice, had once, the cap changed to a slate on which was written in big white chalk marks, let Dorothy go to the city of Emeralds. The little old woman took the slate from her nose and having read the words on it, asked, Is your name Dorothy, my dear? Yes. Answered the child, looking up and drying her tears. Then you must go to the city of Emeralds. Perhaps Oz will help you. Where is the city? Asked Dorothy. It is exactly in the center of the country, and is ruled by Oz, the great wizard I told you of. Is he a good man? Write the girl anxiously. He is a good wizard. Whether he is a man or not, I cannot tell, for I have never seen him. How can I get there? Asked Dorothy. You must walk. It is a long journey, through a country that is sometimes pleasant, and sometimes dark and terrible. However, I will use all the magic arts I know of to keep you from harm. Won't you go with me? pleaded the girl, who had begun to look upon the little old woman as her only friend. No, I cannot do that. She replied, But I will give you my kiss, and no one will dare injure a person who has been kissed by the Witch of the North. She came close to Dorothy and kissed her gently on the forehead. For her lips touched the girl, they left a round, shining mark, as Dorothy found out soon after. The road to the city of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick, said the Witch, so you cannot miss it. When you get to Oz, do not be afraid of him. But tell him your story, and ask him to help you. Goodbye, my dear. The three muskins bowed low to her, and wished her a pleasant journey, after which they walked away through the trees. The Witch came to Dorothy a friendly little nod, rolled around on her left heel three times, and straightway disappeared, much to the surprise of little Toto, who barked after her loudly enough when she had gone. Because he had been afraid even to growl while she stood by. But Dorothy, knowing her to be a Witch, had expected her to disappear in just that way. It was not surprised in the least. CHAPTER III. HOW DOROTHY SAVED THE SCARECROW When Dorothy was left alone, she began to feel hungry, so she went to the cupboard and cut herself some bread. Which she spread with butter. She gave some to Toto, and, taking a pail from the shelf, she carried it down to the little brook, and filled it with clear, sparkling water. Toto ran over to the trees, and began to bark at the birds sitting there. Dorothy went to get him, and saw such delicious fruit hanging from the branches that she gathered some of it, finding it just what she wanted to help out her breakfast. Then she went back to the house, and, having helped herself and Toto to a good drink of cool, clear water, she set about making ready for the journey to the city of Emeralds. Dorothy had only one other dress, but that happened to be clean, and was hanging on a peg beside her bed. It was gingham, with checks of white and blue, and although the blue was somewhat faded with many washings, it was still a pretty frock. The girl washed herself carefully, dressed herself in the clean gingham, and tied her pink sunbonnet on her head. She took a little basket, and filled it with bread from the cupboard, laying a white cloth over the top. Then she looked down at her feet, and noticed how old and worn her shoes were. They surely will never do for a long journey, Toto, she said. And Toto looked up into her face, with his little black eyes, and wagged his tail to show he knew what she meant. At that moment Dorothy saw lying on the table the silver shoes that had belonged to the Witch of the East. I wonder if they will fit me? She said to Toto, they would be just the thing to take a long walk in, for they could not wear out. She took off her old leather shoes and tried on the silver ones, which fitted her as well as if they had been made for her. Finally she picked up her basket. Come along, Toto, she said. She will go to the Emerald City and ask the great Oz how to get back to Kansas again. She closed the door, locked it, and put the key carefully in the pocket of her dress. And so, with Toto trotting along somberly behind her, she started on her journey. There were several roads nearby, but it did not take her long to find the one paved with yellow bricks. Within a short time she was walking briskly toward the Emerald City, her silver shoes tinkling merrily on the hard yellow road-bed. The sun shone bright and the birds sang sweetly, and Dorothy did not feel nearly so bad as you might think a little girl would, who had been suddenly whisked away from her own country and sat down in the midst of a strange land. She was surprised, as she walked along, to see how pretty the country was about her. There were neat fences on the sides of the road, painted a dainty blue color, and beyond them were fields of grain and vegetables in abundance. Evidently the munchkins were good farmers and able to raise large crops. Once in a while she would pass a house, and the people came out to look at her and bow low as she went by. For everyone knew she had been the means of destroying the wicked witch and setting them free from bondage. The houses of the munchkins were odd-looking dwellings, for each was round with a big dome for a roof. All were painted blue, for in this country, of the east, blue was the favorite color. Toward evening, when Dorothy was tired with her long walk and began to wonder where she should pass the night, she came to a house rather larger than the rest. On the green lawn before it many men and women were dancing. Five little fiddlers played as loudly as possible, and the people were laughing and singing, while a big table nearby was loaded with delicious fruits and nuts, pies and cakes, and many other good things to eat. The people greeted Dorothy kindly and invited her to supper and to pass the night with them. For this was the home of one of the richest munchkins in the land, and his friends were gathered with him to celebrate their freedom from the bondage of the wicked witch. Dorothy ate a hearty supper and was weighted upon by the rich munchkin himself, whose name was Bach. Then she sat upon a settee and watched the people dance. When Bach saw her silver shoes he said, You must be a great sorceress. Why? asked the girl. Because you wear silver shoes and have killed the wicked witch. Besides, you have white in your frock and only witches and sorcerers will like. My dress is blue and white checked. Said Dorothy, smoothing out the wrinkles in it. It's kind of you to wear that. Said Bach. Blue is the color of the munchkins and white is the witch color. We know you are a friendly witch. Dorothy did not know what to say to this, for all the people seemed to think her a witch. And she knew very well she was only an ordinary little girl who had come by the chance of a cyclone into a strange land. When she had tired watching the dancing, Bach led her into the house where he gave her a room with a pretty bed in it, the sheets were made of blue cloth, and Dorothy slipped soundly in them till morning, with total curled up on the blue rug beside her. She ate a hearty breakfast and watched a wee munchkin baby who played with Toto and pulled his tail and crowed and laughed in a way that greatly amused Dorothy. Toto was a fine curiosity to all the people, for they had never seen a dog before. How far is it to the emerald city? The girl asked. I don't know. Answered Bach gravely. For I have never been there. It is better for people to keep away from us, unless they have business with him. But it is a long way to the emerald city, and it will take you many days. The country here is rich and pleasant, but you must pass through rough and dangerous places before you reach the end of your journey. This worried Dorothy a little, but she knew that only the great Oz could help her get to Kansas again, so she bravely resolved not to turn back. She bade her friends goodbye, and again started along the road of Yellow Brick. When she had gone several miles, she thought she would stop to rest, and so climbed to the top of the fence beside the road and sat down. There was a great cornfield beyond the fence, and not far away she saw a scarecrow, placed high on a pole to keep the birds from the right corn. Dorothy leaned her chin upon her hand, and gazed thoughtfully at the scarecrow. Its head was a small sack stuffed with straw, with eyes, nose, and mouth painted on it to represent a face, an old pointed blue hat that had belonged to some munchkin was perched on his head, and the rest of the figure was a blue suit of clothes worn and faded which had also been stuffed with straw. On the feet were some old boots with blue tops, such as every man wore in this country, and the figure was raised above the stalks of corn by means of the pole stuck up its back. While Dorothy was looking earnestly into the queer-painted face of the scarecrow, she was surprised to see that one of the eyes slowly winked at her. She thought she must have been mistaken at first. For none of the scarecrow's in Kansas ever wink, but presently the figure nodded its head to her in a friendly way. Then she climbed down from the fence and walked up to it, while the total ran around the pole and barked. Good day! said the scarecrow in a rather husky voice. Did you speak? asked the girl in wonder. Certainly! answered the scarecrow. How do you do? I'm pretty well, thank you. replied Dorothy politely. How do you do? I'm not feeling well. said the scarecrow with a smile. For it's very tedious being perched up here night and day to scare away crows. Can't you get down? asked Dorothy. No, for this pole is stuck up my back. If you will please take away the pole, I shall be greatly obliged to you. Dorothy reached up both arms and lifted the figure off the pole, for, being stuffed with straw, it was quite late. Thank you very much! said the scarecrow, when he had been set down on the ground. I feel like a new man! Dorothy was puzzled at this, for it sounded queer to hear a stuffed man speak, and to see him bow and walk along beside her. Who are you? asked the scarecrow when he had stretched himself and yawned. And where are you going? My name is Dorothy. said the girl. And I am going to the Emerald City to ask the great Oz to send me back to Kansas. Where is the Emerald City? he inquired. And who is Oz? Why, don't you know? she returned in surprise. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all! he answered sadly. Oh! said Dorothy. I'm awfully sorry for you. Do you think? he asked. If I go to the Emerald City with you, that Oz would give me some brains? I cannot tell. she returned. But you may come with me if you like. If Oz will not give you any brains you will be no worse off than you are now. That is true. said the scarecrow. You see, he continued confidentially. I don't mind my legs and arms and body being stuffed because I cannot get hurt. If anyone treads on my toes or sticks a pin into me, it doesn't matter, for I can't feel it. But I do not want people to call me a fool, and if my head stays stuffed with straw instead of with brains, as yours is, how am I ever to know anything? I understand how you feel. said the little girl, who was truly sorry for him. If you will come with me, I'll ask Oz to do all he can for you. Thank you. She answered gratefully. They walked back to the road. Dorothy helped him over the fence, and they started along the path of the yellow brick for the emerald city. Toto did not like this addition to the party at first. He smelled around the stuffed man, as if he suspected there might be a nest of rats in the straw, and he often growled in an unfriendly way at the scarecrow. Don't mind, Toto, said Dorothy to her new friend. He never bites. Oh, I'm not afraid, replied the scarecrow. He can't hurt the straw. Do let me carry that basket for you. I shall not mind it, for I can't get tired. I'll tell you a secret." He continued as he walked along. There is only one thing in the world I am afraid of. What is that? Asked Dorothy. The Munchkin Farmer who made you? No. Answered the scarecrow. It's a lighted match. End of Chapter 3, Recording by David Lawrence in Brampton, Ontario. CHAPTER IV. THE ROAD THROUGH THE FOREST After a few hours the road began to be rough, and the walking grew so difficult that the scarecrow often stumbled over the yellow bricks, which were here very uneven. Sometimes indeed they were broken or missing altogether, leaving holes that Toto jumped across, and Dorothy walked around. As for the scarecrow, having no brains, he walked straight ahead and so stepped into the holes and fell at full length on the hard bricks. He never hurt him, however, and Dorothy would pick him up and set him upon his feet again, while he joined her in laughing merrily at his own mishap. The farms were not nearly so well cared for here as they were farther back. There were fewer houses and fewer fruit trees, and the farther they went the more dismal and lonesome the country became. At noon they sat down by the roadside near a little brook, and Dorothy opened her basket and got out some bread. She offered a piece to the scarecrow, but he refused. "'I am never hungry,' he said. "'And it is a lucky thing I am not, for my mouth is only painted, and if I should cut a hole in it so I could eat, the straw I am stuffed with would come out, and that would spoil the shape of my head.' Dorothy saw at once this was true, so she only gnawed it and went on eating her bread. "'Tell me something about yourself and the country you came from,' said the scarecrow. And she had finished her dinner. So she told him all about Kansas and how gray everything was there, and how the cyclone had carried her to this queer land of Oz. The scarecrow listened carefully and said, "'I cannot understand why you should wish to leave this beautiful country and go back to the dry, gray place you call Kansas.' "'That is because you have no brains,' answered the girl. "'No matter how dreary and gray our homes are, we people of flesh and blood would rather live there than in any other country, be it ever so beautiful. There is no place like home.'" The scarecrow sighed. "'Of course I cannot understand it,' he said. "'If your heads were stuffed with straw like mine, you would probably all live in the beautiful places, and then Kansas would have no people at all. It is fortunate for Kansas that you have brains.' "'Won't you tell me a story while we are resting?' asked the child. The scarecrow looked at her reproachfully and answered, "'My life has been so short that I really know nothing whatever. I was only made day before yesterday. What happened in the world before that time is all unknown to me. Luckily, when the farmer made my head, one of the first things he did was to paint my ears, so that I heard what was going on. There was another munchkin with him, and the first thing I heard the farmer saying, "'How do you like those ears?' "'They aren't straight,' answered the other. "'Never mind,' said the farmer. "'They are ears just the same, which was true enough. "'Now I'll make the eyes,' said the farmer. So he painted my right eye, and as soon as it was finished I found myself looking at him, and at everything around me with a great deal of curiosity, for this was my first glimpse of the world. "'That's a rather pretty eye,' remarked the munchkin who was watching the farmer. "'Blue paint is just the color for eyes.' "'I think I'll make the other a little bigger,' said the farmer, and when the second I was done I could see much better than before. Then he made my nose and my mouth, but I did not speak, because at that time I didn't know what a mouth was for. I had the fun of watching them make my body and my arms and legs, and when they fastened on my head, at last I felt very proud, for I thought I was just as good a man as anyone. "'This fellow will scare the crows fast enough,' said the farmer. "'He looks just like a man.' "'Why, he is a man,' said the other, and I quite agreed with him. The farmer carried me under his arms to the cornfield and set me up on a tall stick where you found me. He and his friend soon after walked away and left me alone. I did not like to be deserted this way, so I tried to walk after them, but my feet would not touch the ground, and I was forced to stay on that pole. It was a lonely life to lead, for I had nothing to think of, having been made such a little while before. Many crows and other birds flew into the cornfield, but as soon as they saw me they flew away again, thinking I was a munchkin, and this pleased me and made me feel that I was quite an important person. By and by an old crow flew near me, and after looking at me carefully he perched upon my shoulder and said, "'I wonder if that farmer thought to fool me in this clumsy manner. Any crow of sense could see that you are only stuffed with straw?' Then he hopped down at my feet and ate all the corn he wanted. Many other birds, seeing that he was not harmed by me, came to eat the corn, too, so in a short time there was a great flock of them about me. I felt sad at this, for it showed I was not such a good scare crow after all, but the old crow comforted me, saying, "'If you only had brains in your head you would be as good a man as any of them, and a better man than some of them. Brains are the only things worth having in this world, no matter whether one is a crow or a man.' After the crows had gone I thought this over, and decided I would try hard to get some brains. By good luck you came along and pulled me off the stake, and from what you say I am sure the great Oz will give me brains as soon as we get to the Emerald City.' "'I hope so,' said Dorothy earnestly, "'since you seem so anxious to have them.' "'Oh, yes, I am anxious,' returned the scare crow. "'It is such an uncomfortable feeling to know one is a fool.' "'Well,' said the girl, "'let us go,' and she handed the basket to the scare crow. There were no fences at all by the roadside now, and the land was rough and untilled. Toward evening they came to a great forest where the trees grew so big and close together that their branches met over the road of Yellow Brick. It was almost dark under the trees, for the branches shut out the daylight, but the travellers did not stop and went on into the forest. "'If this road goes in, it must come out,' said the scare crow. "'And as the Emerald City is at the other end of the road we must go wherever it leads us.' "'Anyone would know that,' said Dorothy. "'Certainly, that is why I know it,' returned the scare crow. "'If it required brains to figure it out, I never should have said it.' After an hour or so the light faded away, and they found themselves stumbling along in the darkness. Dorothy could not see at all, but Toto could, for some dogs see very well in the dark, and the scare crow declared he could see as well as by day. So she took hold of his arm and managed to get along fairly well. "'If you see any house or any place where we can pass the night, you must tell me, for it is very uncomfortable walking in the dark.' Soon after the scare crow stopped. "'I see a little cottage at the right of us,' he said. "'Built of logs and branches. Shall we go there?' "'Yes, indeed,' answered the child. "'I am all tired out.' So the scare crow led her through the trees until they reached the cottage, and Dorothy entered and found a bed of dried leaves in one corner. She laid down at once, and with Toto beside her soon fell into a sound sleep. The scare crow, who was never tired, stood up in another corner and waited patiently until morning came. CHAPTER V. OF THE WONDERFUL WIZARD 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. Recording by Patrick Kahn. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. by L. Frank Baum, CHAPTER V. THE RESCUE OF THE TEN WOODMAN. When Dorothy awoke the sun was shining through the trees, and Toto had long been out chasing birds around him and squirrels, she sat up and looked around her, scare crow still standing patiently in his corner, waiting for her. We must go and search for water. She said to him, Why do you want water? he asked. To wash my face clean after the dust of the road, and to drink, so the dry bread will not stick in my throat. It must be inconvenient to be made of flesh, said the scare crow thoughtfully, for you must sleep and eat and drink. However, you have brains, and it is worth a lot of bother to be able to think properly. They left the cottage and walked through the trees until they found a little spring of clear water, where Dorothy drank and bathed and ate her breakfast. She saw there was not much bread left in the basket, and the girl was thankful the scare crow did not have to eat anything, for they were scarcely enough for herself and Toto for the day. When she had finished her meal and was about to go back to the road of Yellow Brick, she was startled to hear a deep groan nearby. What was that? She asked timidly. I cannot imagine, replied the scare crow, but we can go and see. Just then another groan reached their ears, and the sound seemed to come from behind them. They turned and walked through the forest a few steps. When Dorothy discovered something shining, an array of sunshine that fell between the trees. She ran to the place and then stopped short, with a little cry of surprise. One of the big trees had been partly chopped through and standing beside it with an uplifted axe in his hands. Was a man made entirely of tin. His head and arms and legs were jointed upon his body, and he stood perfectly motionless as if he could not stir at all. Dorothy looked at him in amazement and so did the scare crow, while Toto barked sharply and made a snap at the tin legs, which hurt his teeth. Did you groan? Asked Dorothy. Yes. Answered the tin man. I did. I've been groaning for more than a year, and no one has ever heard me before or come to help me. What can I do for you? She inquired softly, for she was moved by the sad voice in which the man spoke. Oh, get an oil can and oil my joints! He answered. They are rusted so badly that I cannot move them at all. If I am well oiled, I shall soon be all right again. You will find an oil can on a shelf in my cottage. Dorothy at once ran back to the cottage and found the oil can, and then she returned and asked anxiously. Where are your joints? Oil my neck first, replied the tin woodman. So she oiled it, and as it was quite badly rusted the scarecrow took hold of the tin head and moved it gently from side to side until it worked freely, and then the man could turn it himself. Now, oil the joints in my arms, he said, and Dorothy oiled them, and the scarecrow bent them carefully until they were quite free from rust and as good as new. The tin woodman gave a sigh of satisfaction and lowered his axe which he leaned against the tree. Ah! this is a great comfort, he said. I have been holding that axe in the air ever since I rusted, and I'm glad to be able to put it down at last. Now if you will oil the joints of my legs, I shall be all right once more. So they oiled his legs until he could move them freely, and he thanked them again and again for his release, for he seemed a very polite creature and very grateful. I might have stood there always if you had not come along, he said. So you have certainly saved my life. How did you happen to be here? We are on our way to the Emerald City to see the great Oz, she answered, and we stopped at your cottage to pass the night. Why do you wish to see Oz? He asked. I want him to send me back to Kansas, and the Scarecrow wants him to put a few brains into his head. She replied. The tin woodman appeared to think deeply for a moment, then he said. Do you suppose Oz could give me a heart? Why, I guess so. Dorothy answered. It would be as easy as to give the Scarecrow brains. True. The tin woodman returned. So, if you will allow me to join your party, I will also go to the Emerald City and ask Oz to help me. Come along, said the Scarecrow heartily, and Dorothy added that she would be pleased to have his company. So the tin woodman shouldered his axe, and they all passed through the forest until they came to the road that was paved with yellow brick. The tin woodman had asked Dorothy to put the oil can in her basket. He said, if I should get caught in the rain and rust again, I would need the oil can badly. It was a bit of good luck to have their new comrade join the party. For soon after they had begun their journey again, they came to a place where the trees and branches grew so thick over the road that the travelers could not pass. But the tin woodman set to work with his axe and chop so well that soon he cleared a passage for the entire party. Dorothy was thinking so earnestly as they walked along that she did not notice when the Scarecrow stumbled into a hole and rolled over to the side of the road. Indeed he was obliged to call to her to help him up again. Why didn't you walk around the hole? Asked the tin woodman. I don't know enough, replied the Scarecrow cheerfully. My head is stuffed with straw, you know, and that is why I am going to Oz to ask him for some brains. Oh, I see. Asked the tin woodman. But after all, brains are not the best things in the world. Have you any? Inquired the Scarecrow. No, my head is quite empty. Answered the woodman. But once I had brains and a heart also, so having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart. And why is that? Asked the Scarecrow. I will tell you my story. And then you will know. So while they were walking through the forest the tin woodman told the following story. I was born the son of a woodman who chopped down trees in the forest and sold the wood for a living. When I grew up I too became a woodchopper, and after my father died I took care of my old mother as long as she lived. Then I made up my mind that instead of living alone I would marry, so that I might not become lonely. There was one of the munchkin girls who was so beautiful that I soon grew to love her with all my heart. She on her part promised to marry me as soon as I could earn enough money to build a better house for her. So I set to work harder than ever. But the girl lived with an old woman who did not want her to marry anyone. For she was so lazy she wished the girl to remain with her and do the cooking and the housework. So the old woman went to the wicked witch of the east and promised her two sheep and a cow if she would prevent the marriage. Thereupon the wicked witch enchanted my axe. And when I was chopping away at my best one day, for I was anxious to get the new house and my wife, as soon as possible, the axe slipped all at once and cut off my left leg. This at first seemed a great misfortune for I knew a one-legged man could not do very well as a woodchopper. So I went to attend Smith and had him make me a new leg out of tin. The leg worked very well once I was used to it. But my action angered the wicked witch of the east. For she had promised the old woman I should not marry the pretty munchkin girl. When I began chopping again, my axe slipped and cut off my right leg. Again I went to the attend Smith, and again he made me a leg out of tin. After this the enchanted axe cut off my arms one after the other. But nothing daunted I had then replaced with tin ones. The wicked witch then made the axe slip and cut off my head. And at first I thought that was the end of me. But the attend Smith happened to come along, and he made me a new head out of tin. I thought I had beaten the wicked witch then, and I worked harder than ever. But I little knew how cruel my enemy could be. She thought of a new way to kill my love for the beautiful munchkin maiden, and made my axe slip again so that it cut right through my body, splitting me into two abs. Once more the attend Smith came to my help and made me a body of tin, fastening my tin arms and legs and head to fit it by means of joints, so that I could move around as well as ever. But alas I had now no heart, so that I lost all my love for the munchkin girl, and did not care whether I married her or not. I suppose she is still living with the old woman, waiting for me to come after her. My body shone so brightly in the sun that I felt very proud of it, and it did not matter now if my axe slipped for it could not cut me. There was only one danger, that my joints would rust. But I kept an oil can in my cottage, and took care to oil myself whenever I needed it. However, there came a day when I forgot to do this, and being caught in a rainstorm before I thought of the danger, my joints had rusted. And I was left to stand in the woods until you came to help me. It was a terrible thing to undergo. But during the year I stood there, I had time to think that the greatest loss I had known was the loss of my heart. While I was in love I was the happiest man on earth. But no one can love who has not a heart. And so I am resolved to ask us to give me one. If he does, I will go back to the munchkin maiden and marry her. Both Dorothy and the Scarecrow had been greatly interested in the story of the Tin Woodman, and now they knew why he was so anxious to get a new heart. All the same, said the Scarecrow, I shall ask for brains instead of a heart, for a fool would not know what to do with a heart if he had one. I shall take the heart, returned the Tin Woodman, for brains do not make one happy, and happiness is the best thing in the world. Dorothy did not say anything, for she was puzzled to know which of her two friends was right, and she decided if she could only get back to Kansas and an M, it did not matter so much whether the Woodman had no brains and the Scarecrow no heart, or each got what he wanted. What worried her the most was that the bread was nearly gone, and another meal for herself and Toto would empty the basket. To be sure neither the Woodman nor the Scarecrow ever ate anything, but she was not made of tin nor straw, and could not live unless she was fed. End of chapter 5 6 All this time Dorothy and her companions had been walking through the thick woods. The road was still paved with yellow brick, but these were much covered by dried branches and dead leaves from the trees, and the walking was not good at all. There were few birds in this part of the forest, for birds love the open country where there is plenty of sunshine. But now and then there came a deep growl from some wild animal hidden among the trees. These sounds made the little girl's heart beat fast, for she did not know what made them. But Toto knew, and he walked close to Dorothy's side and did not even bark in return. How long will it be? The child asked of the tin Woodman, before we are out of the forest. I cannot tell, was the answer. For I have never been to the emerald city, but my father went there once when I was a boy, and he said it was a long journey through a dangerous country, although nearer to the city where Oz dwells, the country is beautiful. But I am not afraid, so long as I have my oil can, and nothing can hurt the scarecrow, while you bear upon your forehead the mark of the good witch's kiss, and that will protect you from harm. But Toto, said the girl anxiously, what will protect him? We must protect him ourselves, if he is in danger, replied the tin Woodman. Just as he spoke there came from the forest a terrible roar, and the next moment a great lion bounded into the road. With one blow of his paw he sent the scarecrow spinning over and over to the edge of the road, and then he struck at the tin Woodman with his sharp claws. But to the lion's surprise he could make no impression on the tin, although the Woodman fell over in the road and lay still. Little Toto, now that he had an enemy to face, ran barking toward the lion and the great beast had opened his mouth to bite the dog, when Dorothy, fearing Toto would be killed and heedless of the danger rushed forward and slapped the lion upon his nose as hard as she could while she cried out, Don't you dare bite Toto! You ought to be ashamed of yourself, a big beast like you, to bite a poor little dog. I didn't bite him, said the lion, as he rubbed his nose with his paw where Dorothy had hit it. No, but you tried to, she retorted. You are nothing but a big coward. I know it, said the lion, hanging his head in shame. I have always known it. But how can I help it? I don't know, I'm sure, to think of your striking a stuffed man like the poor scarecrow. Is he stuffed? Asked the lion in surprise as he watched her pick up the scarecrow and set him upon his feet while she padded him into shape again. Of course he's stuffed, replied Dorothy, who was still angry. That's why he went over so easily, remarked the lion. It astonished me to see him whirl around so. Is the other one stuffed also? No, said Dorothy. He's made of tin. And she helped the woodman up again. That's why he nearly blunted my claws, said the lion. When they scratched against the tin, it made a cold shiver run down my back. What is that little animal you are so tender of? He's my dog, Toto, answered Dorothy. Is he made of tin or stuffed? Asked the lion. Neither. He's a meat dog, said the girl. Oh, he is a curious animal. The tin seems remarkably small, now that I look at him. No one would think of biting such a little thing, except a coward like me, continued the lion sadly. What makes you a coward? asked Dorothy, looking at the great beast in wonder, for he was as big as a small horse. It's a mystery. I suppose I was born that way. All the other animals in the forest naturally expect me to be brave, for the lion is everywhere thought to be the king of beasts. I learned that if I roared very loudly, every living thing was frightened and got out of my way. Whenever I met a man, I've been awfully scared, but I just roared at him, and he has always run away as fast as he could go. If the elephants, and the tigers, and the bears had ever tried to fight me, I should have run myself. I'm such a coward. But just as soon as they hear me, they all tried to get away from me, and of course I let them go. But that isn't right. The king of beasts shouldn't be a coward, said the scarecrow. I know it. Return the lion, wiping a tear from his eye with the tip of his tail. It is my great sorrow, and makes my life very unhappy. But whenever there is danger, my heart begins to beat fast. Perhaps you have heart disease, said the tin man. It may be, said the lion. If you have, continued the tin woodman, you ought to be glad, for it proves you have a heart. For my part I have no heart, so I cannot have heart disease. Perhaps, said the lion thoughtfully, if I had no heart I should not be a coward. Have you brains, asked the scarecrow? I suppose so. I've never looked to see. I'm going to the great Oz to ask him to give me some. Remarked the scarecrow. For my head is stuffed with straw. And I am going to ask him to give me a heart, said the woodman. And I am going to ask him to send Toto and me back to Kansas, added Dorothy. Do you think Oz could give me courage, asked the cowardly lion? Just as easily as he could give me brains, said the scarecrow. Or give me a heart, said the tin woodman. Or send me back to Kansas, said Dorothy. Then, if you don't mind, I'll go with you, said the lion. For my life is simply unbearable, without a bit of courage. You will be very welcomed, answered Dorothy. For you will help to keep away the other wild beasts. It seems to me they must be more cowardly than you are, if they allow you to scare them so easily. They really are, said the lion. But that doesn't make me any braver. And as long as I know myself to be a coward, I shall be unhappy. So once more the little company set off upon the journey, the lion walking with stately strides at Dorothy's side. Toto did not approve this new comrade at first, for he could not forget how nearly he had been crushed between the lion's great jaws. But after a time he became more at ease, presently Toto and the cowardly lion had grown to be good friends. During the rest of that day there was no other adventure to mar the peace of their journey. Once indeed the tin woodman stepped upon a beetle that was crawling along the road and killed the poor little thing. This made the tin woodman very unhappy, for he was always careful not to hurt any living creature, and as he walked along he wept several tears of sorrow and regret. His tears ran slowly down his face and over the hinges of his jaw. And there they rested. When Dorothy presently asked him a question, the tin woodman could not open his mouth, for his jaws were tightly rusted together. He became greatly frightened at this and made many motions to Dorothy to relieve him. But she could not understand. The lion was also puzzled to know what was wrong. But the scarecrow seized the oil can from Dorothy's basket and oiled the woodman's jaws, so that after a few moments he could talk as well as before. This will serve me as a lesson, said he, to look where I step, for if I should kill another bug or beetle I should surely cry again, and crying rusts my jaws so that I cannot speak. Thereafter he walked very carefully. With his eyes on the road, and when he saw a tiny ant toiling by, he would step over it so as not to harm it. The tin woodman knew very well he had no heart, and therefore took great care never to be cruel or unkind to anything. You people with hearts, he said, have something to guide you. You need never do wrong, but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful. When Oz gives me a heart, of course I needn't mind so much. End of Chapter 6 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Recording by Jenny Lundack, South Padre Island, Texas. Chapter 7 of The Wonderful Wizard 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 Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 7 The Journey to the Great Oz They were obliged to camp out that night under a large tree in the forest, for there were no houses near. The tree made a good thick covering to protect them from the dew, and the tin woodman chopped a great pile of wood with his axe, and Dorothy built a splendid fire that warmed her and made her feel less lonely. She and Toto ate the last of their bread, and now she did not know what they would do for breakfast. If you wish, said the lion, I will go into the forest and kill a deer for you. You can roast it by the fire, since your tastes are so peculiar that you prefer cooked food. And then you will have a very good breakfast. Don't! Please don't! I should certainly weep if you killed a poor deer, and then my jaws would rust again. But the lion went away into the forest and found his own supper, and no one ever knew what it was, for he didn't mention it. And the scarecrow found a tree full of nuts and filled Dorothy's basket with them so that she would not be hungry for a long time. She thought this was very kind and thoughtful of the scarecrow, particularly at the awkward way in which the poor creature picked up the nuts. His padded hands were so clumsy and the nuts were so small that he dropped almost as many as he put in the basket. But scarecrow did not mind how long it took him to fill the basket, for it enabled him to keep away from the fire as he feared a spark might get into his straw and burn him up. So he kept a good distance away from the flames and went to sleep. These kept her very snug and warm, and she slept soundly until morning. When it was daylight, the girl bathed her face in a little rippling brook, and soon after they all started toward the Emerald City. This was to be an eventful day for the travelers. They had hardly been walking an hour when they saw before them a great ditch that crossed the road and divided the forest as far as they could see on either side. It was a very wide ditch, and when they crept up to the edge and looked into it, they could see that it was also very deep, and there were many big jagged rocks on the bottom. The sides were so steep that none of them could climb down, and for a moment it seemed that their journey must end. "'What shall we do?' asked Dorothy despairingly. "'I have a faintest idea,' said the tin woodman, and the lion shook his shaggy mane and looked thoughtful. But the scarecrow said, "'We cannot fly, that is certain. Neither can we climb down into this great ditch. Therefore, if we cannot jump over it, we must stop where we are.' "'I think I could jump over it,' said the cowardly lion, after measuring the distance carefully in his mind. "'Then we are all right,' answered the scarecrow, "'for you can carry us all over on your back one at a time.' "'Well, I'll try it,' said the lion. "'Who will go first?' "'I will,' declared the scarecrow. "'For if you found that you could not jump over the gulf, Dorothy would be killed, or the tin woodman badly dented on the rocks below. But if I am on your back, it will not matter so much, for the fall would not hurt me at all.' "'I am terribly afraid of falling myself,' said the cowardly lion. "'But I suppose there is nothing to do, but try it. "'So get on my back, and we will make the attempt.' The scarecrow set upon the lion's back, and the big beast walked to the edge of the gulf and crouched down. "'Why don't you run and jump?' asked the scarecrow. "'Because that isn't the way we lions do these things,' he replied. Then, giving a great spring, he shot through the air and landed safely on the other side. They were all greatly pleased to see how easily he did it, and after the scarecrow had got down from his back, the lion sprang across the ditch again. Dorothy thought she would go next, so she took Toto and her arms and climbed on the lion's back, holding tightly to his mane with one hand. The next moment it seemed as if she were flying through the air, and then, before she had time to think about it, she was safe on the other side. The lion went back a third time and got to Tin Woodman, and they all sat down for a few moments to give the beast a chance to rest. For his great leaps had made his breath short, and he panted like a big dog that had been running too long. They found the forest very thick on the side, and it looked dark and gloomy. After the lion had rested, they started along the road of yellow brick, silently wondering each in his own mind if they would come to the end of the woods and reach the bright sunshine again. To add to their discomfort, they soon heard strange noises in the depths of the forest, and the lion whispered to them that he was in this part of the country that the Khalidas lived. What are the Khalidas? asked the girl. They are monstrous beasts, with bodies like bears and heads like tigers. Replied the lion, and with claws so long and sharp that they could tear me in two as easily as I could kill Toto. I'm terribly afraid of the Khalidas. I'm not surprised that you are, returned Dorothy. They must be dreadful beasts. The lion was about to reply when suddenly they came to another gulf across the road, but this one was so broad and deep that the lion knew at once he could not live across it. So they sat down to consider what they should do, and after serious thought the scarecrow said, Here is a great tree standing close to the ditch. If the tin woodman can chop it down so that it will fall to the other side, we can walk across it easily. That is a first-rate idea, said the lion. One would almost suspect you had brains in your head instead of straw. The woodman said to work at once, and so sharp was his axe that the tree was soon chopped nearly through. Then the lion put his strong front legs against the tree and pushed with all his might and slowly the big tree tipped and fell with a crash across the ditch, with its top branches on the other side. They had just started to cross this queer bridge when a sharp growl made them all look up, and to their horror they saw running toward them two great beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers. There the kali does! said the cowardly lion beginning to tremble. Quick! cried the scarecrow. Let us cross over. So Dorothy went first holding Tota in her arms and the scarecrow came next. The lion, although he was certainly afraid, turned to face the Kalitas, and then he gave so loud and terrible a roar that Dorothy screamed, and the scarecrow fell over backward while even the fierce beasts stopped short and looked at him in surprise. But seeing they were bigger than the lion and remembering that there were two of them and only one of him, the Kalitas again rushed forward and the lion crossed over the tree to the next. Without stopping in instant the fierce beasts also began to cross the tree and the lion said to Dorothy, We are lost, for they will surely tear us to pieces with their sharp claws. But stand close behind me and I will fight them as long as I am alive. Wait a minute! called the scarecrow. He had been thinking what was best to be done and now he asked the woodman to chop away the end of the tree that rested on their side of the ditch. The tin woodman began to use his axe at once and just as the two Kalitas were nearly across the tree fell with a crash into the gulf carrying the ugly, starling brutes with it and both were dashed to pieces on the sharp rocks at the bottom. Well! said the cowardly lion, drawing a long breath of relief. I see we are going to live a little while longer and I am glad of it. For it must be a very uncomfortable thing not to be alive. Those creatures frightened me so badly that my heart is beating yet. Ah! said the tin woodman sadly. I wish I had a heart to beat. This adventure made the travelers more anxious than ever to get out of the forest and they walked so fast that Dorothy became tired and had to ride on the lion's back. To their great joy the trees became thinner the farther they advanced and in the afternoon they suddenly came upon a broad river flowing swiftly just before them. On the other side of the water they could see the road of yellow brick running through a beautiful country with green meadows dotted with bright flowers and all the road bordered with trees hanging full of delicious fruits. They were greatly pleased to see this delightful country before them. How shall we cross the river? asked Dorothy. That is easily done. replied the scarecrow. The tin woodman must build us a raft so that we can float to the other side. So the woodman took his axe and began to chop down small trees to make a raft and while he was busy at this the scarecrow found on the river bank a tree full of fine fruit. This pleased Dorothy who had eaten nothing but nuts all day and she made a hearty meal of the right fruit. But it takes time to make a raft even when one is as industrious and untiring as the tin woodman and when night came the work was not done. So they found a cozy place under the trees where they slept well until the morning and Dorothy dreamed of the emerald city and of the good wizard Oz who soon sent her back to her own home again. End of Chapter 7 The Journey to the Great Oz Recording by Static Stacy Chapter 8 of The Wonderful Wizard 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 Recording by Static Stacy The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum The Deadly Poppyfield Our little party of travelers awake in the next morning refreshed and full of hope and Dorothy breakfasted like a princess off peaches and plums from the trees beside the river. Behind them was the dark forest they had passed safely through although they had suffered many discouragements. But before them was a lovely sunny country to beckon them on to the Emerald City. To be sure the broad river now cut them off from this beautiful land but the raft was nearly done and after the tin woodman had cut a few more logs and fastened them together with wooden pins they were ready to start. Dorothy sat down in the middle of the raft and held Toto in her arms. When the cowardly lion stepped upon the raft it tipped badly for he was big and heavy The scarecrow and the tin woodman stood upon the other end to study it and they had long poles in their hands to push the raft through the water. They got along quite well at first but when they reached the middle of the river the swift current swept the raft downstream farther and farther away from the road of yellow brick and the water grew so deep that the long poles would not touch the bottom. This is bad said the tin woodman for if we cannot get to the land we shall be carried into the country of the wicked witch of the west and she will enchant us and make us her slaves. And then I should get no brains said the scarecrow and I should get no courage said the cowardly lion and I should get no heart said the tin woodman and I should never get back to Kansas said Dorothy We must certainly get to the Emerald City if we can. The scarecrow continued and he pushed so hard on his long pole that it stuck fast in the mud at the bottom of the river then before he could pull it out again or let go the raft was swept away and the poor scarecrow left clinging to the pole in the middle of the river Goodbye he called after them indeed the tin woodman began to cry but fortunately remembered that he might rust and so dried his tears on Dorothy's apron of course this was a bad thing for the scarecrow I am now worse off that when I first met Dorothy he thought then I was stuck on a pole in a cornfield where I could make believe scare the crows at any rate but surely there is no use for a scarecrow stuck on a pole in the middle of a river I am afraid I shall never have any brains after all down the stream the raft floated and the poor scarecrow was left far behind then the lion said something must be done to save us I think I can swim to the shore and pull the raft after me if you will only hold fast to the tip of my tail so he sprang into the water and the tin woodman caught fast hold of his tail then the lion began to swim with all his might toward the shore it was hard work although he was so big but by and by they were drawn out of the current and then Dorothy took the tin woodman's long pole and helped push the raft to the land they were all tired out when they reached the shore at last and stepped off upon the pretty green grass and they also knew that the stream had carried them a long way past the road of yellow brick that led to the emerald city what shall we do now asked the tin woodman as the lion laid down on the grass to let the sun dry him we must get back to the road in some way said Dorothy the best plan will be to walk along the river bank until we get to the road again remarked the lion so when they were rested Dorothy picked up her basket and they started along the grassy bank to the road from which the river had carried them it was a lovely country with plenty of flowers and fruit cheese and sunshine to cheer them and had they not felt so sorry for the poor scarecrow they could have been very happy they walked along as fast as they could Dorothy only stopping once to pick up beautiful flower and after a time the tin woodman cried out look then they all looked at the river and saw the scarecrow perched upon his pole out of the water looking very lonely and sad what can we do to save him asked Dorothy the lion and the woodman both shook their heads for they did not know so they sat down upon the bank and gazed wistfully at the scarecrow until a stork flew by who upon seeing them stopped to rest at the water's edge who are you and where are you going asked the stork welcome Dorothy answered the girl and these are my friends the tin woodsman and the cowardly lion and we are going to the emerald city this isn't the road said the stork as she twisted her long neck and looked sharply at the queer party I know it returned Dorothy but we have lost the scarecrow and are wondering how we shall get him again where is he answered the little girl if he wasn't so big and heavy I would go get him for you remarked the stork he isn't heavy a bit said Dorothy eagerly for he is stuffed with straw and if you bring him back to us we shall thank you ever and ever so much well I'll try said the stork but if I find he is too heavy to carry I shall have to drop him in the river again so the big bird flew into the air and over the water till she came to where the scarecrow was perched upon his pole then the stork with her great claws grabbed the scarecrow by the arm and carried him up into the air and back to the bank where Dorothy and the lion and the tin woodman and Toto were sitting when the scarecrow found himself among his friends again he was so happy that he hugged them all even the lion and Toto and as they walked along he sang told the radio at every step he felt so gay I was afraid I should have to stay in the river forever he said but the kind stork saved me and if I ever get any brains I shall find the stork again and do her some kindness in return that's all right said the stork who was flying along beside them always liked to help anyone in trouble but I must go now for my babies are waiting in the nest for me I hope you will find the emerald city and that us will help you thank you replied Dorothy and then the kind stork flew into the air and was soon out of sight they walked along listening to the singing of the brightly colored birds and looking at the lovely flowers which now became so thick that the ground was filled with them there were big yellow and white and blue and purple blossoms besides great clusters of scarlet poppies which were so brilliant in color that they almost dazzled Dorothy's eyes aren't they beautiful the girl asked as she breathed in the spicy scent of the bright flowers I suppose so answered the scarecrow when I have brains I shall probably like them better if I only had a heart I should love them added the tin woodman I always didn't like flowers said the lion they have seemed so helpless and frail but there are none in the forest so bright as these they now came upon more and more of the big scarlet poppies and fewer and fewer of the other flowers and soon they found themselves in the midst of a great meadow of poppies now it is well known that when there are many of these flowers together their odor is so powerful that anyone who breathes it falls asleep and if their sleeper is not carried away from the scent of the flowers he sleeps on and on forever but Dorothy did not know this nor could she get away from the bright red flowers that were everywhere about so presently her eyes grew heavy and she felt she must sit down to rest and to sleep but the tin woodman would not let her do this we must hurry and get back to the road of yellow brick before dark he said and the scarecrow agreed with him so they kept walking until Dorothy could stand no longer her eyes closed and spider herself and she forgot where she was and fell among the poppies fast asleep what shall we do asked the tin woodman if we leave her here she will die said the lion the smell of the flowers is killing us all I myself can scarcely keep my eyes open and the dog is asleep already it was true turtle had fallen down beside his little mistress but the scarecrow and the tin woodman not being made a flesh were not troubled by the scent of the flowers run fast said the scarecrow to the lion and get out of this deadly flower bed as soon as you can we will bring the little girl with us but if you should fall asleep you are too big to be carried so the lion aroused himself and bounded forward as fast as he could go in a moment he was out of sight let us make a chair with our hands and carry her said the scarecrow so they picked up Toto and put the dog into Dorothy's lap and then they made a chair with their hands for the seat and their arms for the arms and carried the sleeping girl through the flowers on and on they walked and it seemed that the great carpet of deadly flowers that surrounded them would never end they followed the bend of the river and at last came upon their friend the lion lying fast asleep among the poppies the flowers had been too strong for the huge beast had come up at last and fallen only a short distance from the end of the poppy bed where the sweet grass spread in beautiful green fields before them we can do nothing for him said the tin woodman sadly for he is much too heavy to lift we must leave him here to sleep on forever and perhaps he will dream that he has found courage at last said the scarapro the lion was a very good comrade for one so cowardly but let us go on they carried the sleeping girl to a pretty spot beside the river far enough from the poppy field to prevent her breathing anymore of the poison of the flowers and here they laid her gently on the soft grass and waited for the fresh breeze to waken her end of chapter 8 the deadly poppy field chapter 9 of the wonderful wizard 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 recording by Jenny Lundack the wonderful wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum chapter 9 the queen of the field mice we cannot be far from the road of yellow brick now remark the scarapro as he stood beside the girl for we have come nearly as far as the river carried us away the tin woodman was about to reply when he heard a low growl and turning his head which worked beautifully on its hinges he saw a strange beast combounding over the grass toward them it was indeed a great yellow wildcat and the woodman thought it must be chasing something for its ears were lying close to its head and its mouth was wide open showing two rows of ugly teeth while its red eyes glowed like balls of fire as it came nearer the tin woodman saw that running before the beast was a little gray field mouse and although he had no heart he knew it was wrong for the wildcat to try to kill such a pretty harmless creature so the woodman raised his axe and as the wildcat ran by he gave it a quick blow that cut the beast's head clean off from its body and it rolled over at his feet in two pieces the field mouse now that it was freed from its enemy stopped short and coming slowly up to the woodman it said in a squeaky little voice oh thank you thank you ever so much for saving my life don't speak of it I beg of you replied the woodman I have no heart you know so I am careful to help all those who may need a friend even if it happens to be only a mouse only a mouse cried the little animal indignantly the field mice oh indeed said the woodman making a bow therefore you have done a great deed as well as a brave one in saving my life added the queen at that moment several mice were running up as fast as their little legs would carry them and when they saw their queen they exclaimed oh your majesty we thought you would be killed how did you manage to skip the green wildcat they all bowed so low to the little queen that they almost stood upon their heads this funny tin man she answered killed the wildcat and saved my life so hereafter you must all sob him and obey his slightest wish we will cried all the mice in a shrill chorus and then they scampered in all directions for Toto had awakened from his sleep and seeing all these mice around him he gave one bark of delight and jumped right into the middle of the group Toto always loved to raise mice when he lived in Kansas and he saw no harm in it but the tin man caught the dog in his arms and held him tight while he called to the mice come back come back Toto shall not hurt you at this the queen of the mice stuck her head out from underneath a clump of grass and asked in a timid voice are you sure he will not fight us I will not let him said the woodman so do not be afraid one by one the mice came creeping back and Toto did not bark again although he tried to get out of the woodman's arms and would have bitten him had he not known very well he was made of tin finally one of the biggest mice spoke is there anything we can do it asked to repay you for saving the life of our queen nothing that I know of answered the woodman but the scarecrow who had been trying to think but could not because his head was stuffed with straw said quickly oh yes you can save our friend the cowardly lion who was asleep in the poppy bed cried the little queen he would eat us all up oh no declared the scarecrow the woodman is a coward yay asked the mouse he says so himself answered the scarecrow and he would never hurt anyone who is our friend if you will help us to save him I promise that he shall treat you all with kindness said the queen we trust you but what shall we do are there many of these mice that are thousands she replied then send for them all to come here as soon as possible and let each one bring a long piece of string the queen turned to the mice that attended her and told them to go at once and get all her people as soon as they heard her orders they ran away in every direction as fast as possible now said the scarecrow to the tin woodman you must go to those trees by the riverside and make a truck that will carry the lion so the woodman went at once to the trees and began to work and he soon made a truck out of the limbs of trees from which he chopped away all the leaves and branches he fastened it together with wooden pegs and made the four wheels out of short pieces of a big tree trunk so fast and so well that he worked that by the time the mice began to arrive the truck was all ready for them they came from all directions and there were thousands of them big mice and little mice and middle sized mice and each one brought a piece of string in his mouth it was about this time that Dorothy woke from her long sleep and opened her eyes she was greatly astonished to find herself in her dress with thousands of mice standing around and looking at her timidly but the scarecrow told her about everything and turning to the dignified little mouse he said permit me to introduce to you Her Majesty the Queen Dorothy nodded gravely and the Queen made a curtsy after which she became quite friendly with the little girl the scarecrow and the woodman now began to fasten the mice to the truck using the strings they had brought one end of a string was tied around the neck of each mouse and the other end to the truck of course the truck was a thousand times bigger than any of the mice who were to draw it but when all the mice had been harnessed they were able to pull it quite easily even the scarecrow and the tin woodman could sit on it and were drawn swiftly by their queer little horses to the place where the lion lay asleep after a great deal of hard work for the lion was heavy they managed to get him up on the truck then the Queen hurriedly gave her people the order to start for she feared if the mice stayed among the poppies too long they also would fall asleep at first the little creatures many, though they were could hardly stir the heavily loaded truck but the woodman and the scarecrow both pushed from behind and they got along better soon they rolled the lion out of the poppy bed to the green fields where he could breathe the sweet fresh air again instead of the poisonous scent of the flowers Dorothy came to meet them and thanked the little mice warmly for saving her companion from death she had grown so fond of the big lion she was glad he had been rescued then the mice were unharnessed from the truck and scampered away through the grass to their homes the Queen of the mice was the last to leave if ever you need us again she said come out into the field and call and we shall hear you and come to your assistance goodbye goodbye they all answered one while Dorothy held total tightly lest he should run after her and frighten her after this they sat down beside the lion until he should awaken and the scarecrow brought Dorothy some fruit from a tree nearby which she ate for her dinner end of chapter 9 recording by Jenny Lundack South Padre Island, Texas Chapter 10 the wonderful wizard of Oz this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit the LibriVox.org recording by David Lawrence the wonderful wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 10 The Guardian of the Gate it was some time before the cowardly lion awakened for he had lain among the poppies a long while breathing in their deadly fragrance but when he did open his eyes and roll off the truck he was very glad to find himself still alive I rag as fast as I could he said sitting down and yawning but the flowers were too strong for me how did you get me out then they told him of the field mice and how they had generously saved him from death and the cowardly lion laughed and said I have always thought myself very big and terrible it's such little things as flowers came near to killing me and such small animals as mice have saved my life how strange it all is but comrades what shall we do now we must journey on until we find the road of yellow brick again said Dorothy and then we can keep on to the emerald city so the lion being fully refreshed and feeling quite himself again on the journey greatly enjoying the walk through the soft fresh grass and it was not long before they reached the road of yellow brick and turned again toward the emerald city where the great Oz dwelt the road was smooth and well paved now and the country about was beautiful so that the travelers rejoiced in leaving the forest far behind and with it the many dangers they had met in its gloomy shades once more they could see fences built but these were painted green and when they came to a small house in which a farmer evidently lived that also was painted green they passed by several of these houses during the afternoon and sometimes people came to the doors and looked at them as if they would like to ask questions but no one came near them or spoke to them because of the great lion of which they were very much afraid the people were all dressed in clothing of a lovely emerald green color and wore peaked hats like those of the munchkins this must be the land of Oz said Dorothy and we are surely getting near the emerald city yes answer the scarecrow everything is green here while in the country the munchkins blue was the favorite color but the people do not seem to be as friendly as the munchkins and I'm afraid we shall be unable to find a place to pass the night I should like something to eat besides fruit and I'm sure Toto is nearly starved let us stop at the next house and talk to the people so when they came to a good sized farmhouse Dorothy walked boldly up to the door and knocked a woman opened it just far enough to look out and said what do you want child and why is that great lion with you we wish to pass the night with you if you will allow us answered Dorothy and the lion is my friend and comrade and would not hurt you for the world ask the woman opening the door a little wider said the girl and he is a great coward too he will be more afraid of you than you are of him well said the woman after thinking it over and taking another peep at the lion if that is the case you may come in and I will give you some supper and a place to sleep so they all entered the house where there was beside the woman two children and a man was lying on the couch in a corner they seemed greatly surprised to see so strange a company and while the woman was busy laying the table the man asked where are you all going to the emerald city said Dorothy to see the great Oz exclaimed the man are you sure that Oz will see you why not she replied why it is said that he never lets anyone see his presence I have been to the emerald city many times and it is a beautiful and wonderful place but I have never been permitted to see the great Oz nor do I know of any living person who has seen him does he never go out asked the scarecrow never he sits day after day in the great throne room of his palace and even those who wait upon him do not see him face to face asked the girl to tell said the man thoughtfully you see Oz is a great wizard and can take on any form he wishes so that some say he looks like a bird and some say he looks like an elephant and some say he looks like a cat to others he appears as a beautiful fairy or a brownie or in any other form that pleases him but who the real Oz is when he is in his own form no living person can tell that is very strange said Dorothy but we must try in some way to see him or we shall have made our journey for nothing why do you wish to see the terrible Oz asked the man I want him to give me some brains said the scarecrow eagerly oh Oz could do that easily enough declared the man he has more brains than he needs and I want him to give me a heart said the tin woodman that will not trouble him continued the man for Oz has a large collection of hearts of all sizes and shapes and I want him to give me courage said the cowardly lion Oz keeps a great pot of courage in his throne room said the man which he has covered with a golden plate to keep it from running over you will be glad to give you some back to Kansas said Dorothy where is Kansas asked the man with surprise I don't know replied Dorothy sorrowfully but it is my home and I'm sure it's somewhere very likely well Oz can do anything so I suppose he will find Kansas for you but first you must get to see him and that will be a hard task for the great wizard does not like to see anyone and he usually has his own way but what do you want he continued speaking to Toto Toto only wagged his tail for strange to say he could not speak the woman now called to them that supper was ready so they gathered around the table and Dorothy ate some delicious porridge and a dish of scrambled eggs and a plate of nice white bread and enjoyed her meal the lion ate some of the porridge Toto ate a little of everything and was glad to get a good supper again the woman now gave Dorothy a bed to sleep in and Toto lay down beside her while the lion guarded the door of her room so she might not be disturbed the scarecrow and the tin woodman stood up in a corner and kept quiet all night although of course they could not sleep Toto ate a little of everything and was glad to get a good supper again although of course they could not sleep the next morning as soon as the sun was up they started on their way and soon saw a beautiful green glow in the sky just before them that must be the emerald city said Dorothy as they walked on the green glow became brighter and brighter and it seemed that at last they were nearing the end of their travels yet it was afternoon before they came to the great wall that surrounded the city it was high and thick and of a bright green color in front of them and at the end of the road of Yellowbrick was a big gate all studded with emeralds that glittered so in the sun that even the painted eyes of the scarecrow were dazzled by their brilliancy there was a bell beside the gate and Dorothy pushed the button and heard a silvery tinkle sound within then the big gate swung slowly open and they all passed through and found themselves in a high arched room the walls of which glistened with countless emeralds before them stood a little man about the same size as the Munchkins he was clothed all in green from his head to his feet and even his skin was of a greenish tint at his side was a large green box when he saw Dorothy and her companions the man asked what do you wish in the emerald city we came here to see the great Oz said Dorothy the man was so surprised at this answer that he sat down to think it over it has been many years since anyone asked me to see Oz he said shaking his head in perplexity he is powerful and terrible and if you come on an idle or foolish errand to bother the wise reflections of the great wizard he might be angry and destroy you all in an instant but it is not a foolish errand nor an idle one it is important and we have been told that Oz is a good wizard so he is and he rules the emerald city wisely and well but to those who are not honest or who approach him from curiosity he is most terrible and few have ever dared asked to see his face I am the guardian of the gates and since you demand to see the great Oz I must take you to his palace first you must put on the spectacles why? asked Dorothy because if you did not wear spectacles the brightness and glory of the emerald city would blind you even those who live in the city must wear spectacles night and day they are all locked on for Oz so ordered it when the city was first built and I have the only key that will unlock them he opened the big box and Dorothy saw that it was filled with spectacles of every size and shape all of them had green glass in them the guardian of the gates found a pair that would just fit Dorothy and put them over her eyes there were two golden bands fastened to them that passed around the back of her head where they were locked together by a little key that was at the end of a chain the guardian of the gates wore around his neck when they were on Dorothy could not take them off had she wished by the glare of the emerald city so she said nothing then the green man fitted spectacles for the scarecrow and the tin woodman and the lion and even on little Toto and all were locked fast with the key then the guardian of the gates put on his own glasses and told them he was ready to show them to the palace taking a big golden key from a peg on the wall he opened another gate and they all followed him through the portal to the city End of Chapter 10 Recording by David Lawrence in Brampton