"

"They have come for their decorations," announced the Grand Chew
Chew, stepping up with a large silver platter full of medals.

"But I thought Tappy Oko and I saved the Island," chuckled the
Scarecrow, nudging the Imperial Punster.

"Had the Imperial Army not retired and left the field to you, there
would have been no victory," faltered the General in a timid voice.
"Therefore, in a way we are responsible for the victory. A great
general always knows when to retire."

"There's something in that," admitted the Scarecrow, scratching his
head thoughtfully. "Go ahead and decorate 'em, Chew Chew!"

This the Grand Chew Chew proceeded to do, making such a long speech
to each soldier that half of the Court fell asleep and the Scarecrow
fidgeted uncomfortably.

"They remind me of the Army of Oz," he confided to Happy Toko, "but
we never have long speeches in Oz. I declare, I wish I could go to
sleep, too, and that's something I have never seen any use in
before."

"They've just begun," yawned Happy Toko, nearly rolling down the
steps of the throne, and Happy was not far wrong, for all afternoon
one after the other of the courtiers arose and droned about the great
victory, and as they all addressed themselves to the Scarecrow, he
was forced to listen politely. When the speeches were over, there was
still the grand banquet to be got through, and as the Silver
Islanders ate much the same fare as their Chinese cousins, you can
imagine the poor Scarecrow's feelings.

"Ugh!" shivered the Scarecrow as the strange dishes appeared, "I'm
glad none of my friends are here. How fortunate that I'm stuffed with
straw!" The broiled mice, the stewed shark fins and the bird nest
soup made him stare. He had ordered Happy Toko to be placed at his
side, and to watch him happily at work with his silver chopsticks and
porcelain spoon was the only satisfaction he got out of the feast.

"And what is that?" he asked, pointing to a steaming bowl that had
just been placed before Happy.

"Minced cat, your Highness," replied Happy, sprinkling it generously
with silver polish.

"Cat?" shrieked the Scarecrow, pouncing to his feet in horror. "Do
you mean to tell me you are eating a poor, innocent, little cat?"

"Not a poor one at all. A very rich one, I should say," replied Happy
Toko with his mouth full. "Ah, had your Highness only your old body,
how you would enjoy this!"

"Never!" shouted the Scarecrow so loudly that all of the Courtiers