tle
one was very much smaller and seemed to consist of hundreds of
rattles, wood, celluloid, and rubber, fastened together with wires.
Every time it moved, the rattles tinkled. Its face, however, was not
unpleasant, so the Scarecrow took heart and made a deep bow.

"And I'm not going to eat anything that squirms." This time it was
the big serpent who spoke.

"Thank you!" said the Scarecrow, bowing several times more. "You
relieve my mind. I've never been a breakfast yet, and I'd rather not
begin. But if I cannot be your breakfast, let me be your friend!" He
extended his arms impulsively.

There was something so jolly about the Scarecrow's smile that the two
creatures became friendly at once, and moreover told him the story of
their lives.

"As you have doubtless noted," began the larger creature, "I am an
A-B-Sea Serpent. I am employed in the nursery of the Mer children to
teach them their letters. My friend, here, is a Rattlesnake, and it
is his business to amuse the Mer babies while the Mermaids are
mer-marketing. Once a year, we take a vacation, and proceeding from the
sea depths up a strange river, we came out upon this shore. Perhaps
you, Sir, will be able to tell us where we are?"

"You are in the Munchkin Country of the Land of Oz," explained the
Scarecrow politely. "It is a charming place for a vacation. I would
show you about myself if I were not bound on an important mission."
Here the Scarecrow sighed deeply.

"Have you a family?" he asked the A-B-Sea Serpent curiously.

"Yes, indeed," replied the monster, snapping its tape-measure tongue
in and out, "I have five great-grandmothers, twenty-one grandnieces,
seven brothers, and six sisters-in-law!"

"Ah!" murmured the Scarecrow, clasping his hands tragically, "How I
envy you. I have no one--no aunts--no ancestors--no family--no family
tree but a bean pole. I am, alas, a man without a _past!"_ The
Scarecrow looked so dejected that the Rattlesnake thought he was
going to cry.

"Oh, cheer up!" it begged in a distressed voice. "Think of your
_presence_--here--I give you permission to shake me!" The Scarecrow
was so affected by this kind offer that he cheered up immediately.

"No past but a presence--I'll remember that!" He swelled out his
straw chest complacently, and leaning over, stroked the Rattlesnake
on the head.

"Are you good at riddles?" asked the Rattlesnake timidly.

"Well," answered the Scarecrow judiciously, "I have very good brains,
gi