Once we had a dreadful
time to find another pumpkin, as they were out of season, and so I was
obliged to wear my old head a little longer than was strictly healthy.
But after this sad experience I resolved to raise pumpkins myself, so
as never to be caught again without one handy; and now I have this
fine field that you see before you. Some grow pretty big--too big to
be used for heads--so I dug out this one and use it for a house."
"Isn't it damp?" asked Dorothy.
"Not very. There isn't much left but the shell, you see, and it will
last a long time yet."
"I think you are brighter than you used to be, Jack," said the Tin
Woodman. "Your last head was a stupid one."
"The seeds in this one are better," was the reply.
"Are you going to Ozma's party?" asked Dorothy.
"Yes," said he, "I wouldn't miss it for anything. Ozma's my parent,
you know, because she built my body and carved my pumpkin head. I'll
follow you to the Emerald City to-morrow, where we shall meet again.
I can't go to-day, because I have to plant fresh pumpkin-seeds and water
the young vines. But give my love to Ozma, and tell her I'll be there
in time for the jubilation."
"We will," she promised; and then they all left him and resumed
their journey.
17. The Royal Chariot Arrives
The neat yellow houses of the Winkies were now to be seen standing
here and there along the roadway, giving the country a more cheerful
and civilized look.
Pages:
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122