them, hearing Tappy Oko's
cries, came crowding down to the shore and were soon cheering
themselves hoarse. No wonder! The drenched soldiers of the king were
climbing swiftly back into their boats, and when they were all
aboard, the Scarecrow waved his fan sidewise (he did not want to blow
them up again), and the ships swept out of the harbor so fast that
the water churned to silver suds behind them, and they soon were out
of sight.

"Ah!" cried the Grand Chew Chew, arriving breathlessly at this point,
"We have won the day!"

"So we have!" chuckled the Scarecrow, putting his arm around Happy
Toko. "Call the brave army and decorate the generals!"

"It shall be done," said the Grand Chew Chew, frowning at Happy.
"There shall be a great celebration, a feast, and fireworks."

"Fireworks," quavered the Scarecrow, clutching his Imperial Punster.
By this time, the Silver Islanders were crowding around the Emperor,
shouting and squealing for joy, and before he could prevent it, they
had placed him on their shoulders and carried him in triumph to the
palace. He managed to signal Happy, and Happy nodded reassuringly and
ran off as fast as his fat little legs could patter. He arrived at
the palace almost as soon as the Scarecrow, lugging a giant silver
watering can, and, sitting calmly on the steps of the throne, fanned
himself with his hat. The Scarecrow eyed the watering can with
satisfaction.

"Now let them have their old fireworks," he muttered under his
breath, and settled himself comfortably. The Grand Chew Chew was
hopping about like a ditched kite, arranging for the celebration. The
courtiers were shaking hands with themselves and forming in a long
line. A great table was being set in the hall.

"What a fuss they are making over nothing," said the Scarecrow to
Happy Toko. "Now in Oz when we win a victory, we all play some jolly
game and sit down to dinner with Ozma. Why, they haven't even set a
place for you, Happy!"

"I'd rather sit here, amiable Master," sighed Happy Toko happily. "Is
the little fan safely closed?"

The Scarecrow felt in his pocket to make sure, then leaned forward in
surprise. The Royal Silver Army were marching stiffly into the hall,
and the courtiers were bobbing and bowing and cheering like mad.

The General came straight to the great silver throne, clicked his
silver heels, bowed, and stood at attention.

"Well," said the Scarecrow, surveying this splendid person curiously,
"what is it?