him
cough.

"Quite sure," wheezed the Grand Gheewizard, and fell to stirring the
kettle with all his might.

* * * * *

The Scarecrow, although busy with trials in the great courtroom of
the palace, felt that something unusual was in the air. The Princes
kept nodding to one another, and the Grand Chew Chew and General
Mugwump had their heads together at every opportunity.

"Something's going to happen, Tappy. I feel it in my straw,"
whispered the Scarecrow as he finished trying the last case. At that
very minute, the Grand Chew Chew arose and held up his hand for
silence. Everybody paused in their way to the exits and looked with
surprise at the old Silverman.

"I have to announce," said the Grand Chew Chew in a solemn voice,
"that the Great and Imperial Chang Wang Woe will tomorrow be restored
to his own rightful shape. The Grand Gheewizard of the realm has
discovered a magic formula to break the enchantment and free him from
this distressing Scarecrow body. Behold for the last the Scarecrow of
Oz. Tomorrow he will be our old and glorious Emperor!"

"Old and glorious?" gasped the Scarecrow, nearly falling from his
throne.

"Tappy! I forgot to lock up the wizards. Great Cornstarch! Tomorrow I
will be eighty-five years old."

Such cheers greeted the Grand Chew Chew's announcement that no one
even noticed the Scarecrow's distress.

"I, also, have an announcement!" cried the eldest Prince, standing up
proudly. "To make the celebration of my royal Papa's restoration
complete, we have chosen the lovely and charming Orange Blossom for
his bride."

"Bride!" gulped the Scarecrow. "But I do not approve of second
marriages. I refuse to--"

No one paid the slightest attention to the Scarecrow's remarks.

"Hold my hand, Tappy," sighed the Scarecrow weakly. "It may be your
last chance." Then he sat up and stared in good earnest, for the
Prince was leading forward a tall, richly clad lady.

"Orange Blossom!" muttered the Scarecrow under his breath. "He means
Lemon Peel! Silver grandmother, Tappy!" Orange Blossom was a
cross-looking Princess of seventy-five, at least.

"She is a sister of the King of the Golden Islands," whispered
General Mugwump. "Of a richness surpassing your own. Let me
felicitate your Highness."

"Fan me, Tappy! Fan me!" gasped the Scarecrow. Then he straightened
himself suddenly. The time had come for action. He would say nothing
to anyone, but that night he would escape and try to find hi