se himself.

"I don't care a kinkajou if I am the Emperor, I'm going to talk to
whom I please!" he exclaimed on the second night, and shaking his
glove at a bronze statue, he threw the Book of Ceremonies into the
fountain. The next morning, therefore, he ascended the throne with
great firmness. Immediately, the courtiers prostrated themselves, and
the Scarecrow's arms and legs blew about wildly.

"Stand up at once," puffed the Scarecrow when he had regained his
balance.

"You are giving me nervous prostration. Chew, kindly issue an edict
forbidding prostrations. Anyone caught bowing in my presence again
shall lose--" the courtiers looked alarmed "--his pigtail!" finished
the Scarecrow.

"And now, Chew, you will take my place, please. I am going for a walk
with Tappy Oko."

The Grand Chew Chew's mouth fell open with surprise, but seeing the
Scarecrow's determined expression, he dared not disobey, and he
immediately began making strange marks on a long, red parchment.
Happy Toko trembled as the Scarecrow Emperor took his arm, and the
courtiers stared at one another in dismay as the two walked quietly
out into the garden.

Nothing happened, however, and Tappy, regaining his composure, took
out a little silver flute and started a lively tune.

"I had to take matters into my own hands, Tappy," said the Scarecrow,
listening to the music with a pleased expression. "Are there any
words to that song?"

"Yes, illustrious and Supreme Sir!"

Two spoons went down a Por-ce-Lane,
To meet a China saucer,
A 'talking China in a way
To break a white man's jaw, Sir!

sang Happy, and finished by standing gravely on his head.

"Your Majesty used to be very fond of this song," spluttered Happy.
(It is difficult to speak while upside down, and if you don't think
so, try it!)

"Ah!" said the Scarecrow, beginning to feel more cheerful, "Tell me
something about myself and my family, Tappy Oko."

"Happy Toko, if it pleases your Supreme Amiability," corrected the
little silver man, somersaulting to a standstill beside the
Scarecrow.

"It does and it doesn't," murmured the Scarecrow. "There is something
about you that reminds me of a pudding, and you tapped the drum,
didn't you? I believe I shall call you Tappy Oko, if you don't mind!"

The Scarecrow seated himself on a silver bench and motioned for the
Imperial Punster to sit down beside him. Tappy Oko sat down
fearfully, first making sure that he was