g arms.

"Woe is me," murmured the Scarecrow, clasping his yellow gloves. "But
let me think."

CHAPTER 9

"SAVE US WITH YOUR MAGIC, EXALTED ONE!"

For several minutes, the Scarecrow sat perfectly still while the
company stood shaking in their shoes. Then he asked loudly, "Where is
the Imperial Army?"

"It has retired to the caves at the end of the Island," quavered the
Grand Chew Chew.

"I thought as much," said the Scarecrow. "But never mind, there are
quite a lot of us."

"Us!" spluttered a tall Silverman indignantly. "We are not common
soldiers."

"No, very uncommon ones, but you have hard heads and long nails, and
I dare say will manage somehow. Come on, let's go. Chew, you may take
the lead."

"Go!" shrieked the Grand Chew Chew. "Us?" The Courtiers began backing
away in alarm. "Where--er--what--are your Highness' plans?"

"Why, just to conquer the King of the Golden Islands and send him
back home," said the Scarecrow, smiling engagingly. "That's what you
wanted, isn't it?"

"But it is not honorable for noblemen to fight. It--"

"Oh, of course, if you prefer burning--" The Scarecrow rose
unsteadily and started for the garden gates. Not a person stirred.
The Scarecrow looked back, and his reproachful face was too much for
Happy Toko.

"I'll come, exalted and radiant Scarecrowcus! Wait, honorable and
valiant Sir!"

"Bring a watering can, if you love me," called the Scarecrow over his
shoulder, and Happy, snatching one from a frightened gardener, dashed
after his Master.

"If things get too hot, I'd like to know that you can put me out,"
said the Scarecrow, his voice quivering with emotion. "You shall be
rewarded for this, my brave Tappy."

Happy did not answer, for his teeth were chattering so he could not
speak.

The harbor lay just below the Imperial Palace, and the Scarecrow and
Happy hurried on through the crowds of fleeing Silvermen, their
household goods packed upon their heads. Some cheered faintly for
Chang Wang Woe, but none offered to follow, save the faithful Happy.

"Is this king old?" asked the Scarecrow, looking anxiously at the
small boats full of warriors that were putting out from the fleet.

"He is the son of the King whom your Majesty conquered fifty years
ago," gulped Happy. "Ha--has your Imperial Highness any--plan?"

"Not yet," said the Scarecrow cheerfully, "but I'm thinking very
hard."

"Then, goodbye to Silver Island!" choked Happy Toko, dropping the
waterin