Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/308

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The Royal Book of Oz

boot-top and, drawing out a small red bean, popped it into his mouth. Just before reaching top tube he had pulled a handful of them from the bean stalk, but the others had fallen out when he dove into the hay.

"Shall we use the parasol again, Lady Dot?” he asked, still staring pensively at the bean pole. "Shall―?"

He got further, nor did Dorothy answer his question. Instead she gave a load scream and clutched the Scarecrow's arm. The Scarecrow, taken by surprise, fell over backward and the Comfortable Camel, raising his head inquiringly, gave a bellow of terror. From the Knight's shoulders a green branch had sprung and, while the company gazed in round-eyed astonishment, it stretched towards the bean pole, attached itself firmly, and then shot straight up into the air, the Knight kicking and struggling on the end. In another second he was out of sight.

"Come back! Come back!" screamed the Comfortable Camel, running around distractedly.

"I doubt we’ll ever see him again!" groaned the Doubtful Dromedary, craning his neck upward.

"Do something! Do something!" begged Dorothy. At which the Scarecrow jumped up and dashed

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