ts and
flutes. The Grand Chew Chew and General Mugwump followed, attired in
brilliant silk robes of state. Then came the three Princes,
glittering with jeweled chains and medals, and the fifteen little
Princes, like so many silver butterflies in their satin kimonas. Next
appeared a palanquin bearing the veiled Princess Orange Blossom,
followed by a whole company of splendid courtiers and after them as
many of the everyday Silver Islanders as the hall would hold. There
was a moment of silence. Then the whole assemblage, contrary to the
Scarecrow's edict, fell upon their faces.

"My!" exclaimed Dorothy, impressed in spite of herself. "Are you sure
you want to give up all this?"

"Great Emperor, beautiful as the sun, wise as the stars, and radiant
as the clouds, the Ceremony of Restoration is about to begin!"
quavered the Grand Chew Chew, rising slowly. Then he paused, for he
was suddenly confused by the strange company around the Scarecrow's
throne.

"Treachery!" hissed the eldest Prince to the others. "We left him
tied to the bean pole. Ancient Papa Scarecrow needs watching! Who are
these curious objects he has gathered about him, pray?"

Now by some magic which even I cannot explain, the people from Oz
found they could understand all that was being said. When Dorothy
heard herself called an object and saw the wicked faces of the three
Princes and the stupid little grandsons, she no longer wondered at
the Scarecrow's decision.

The Scarecrow himself bowed calmly. "First," said he cheerfully, "let
me introduce my friends and visitors from Oz."

The Silver Islanders, who really loved the Scarecrow, bowed politely
as he called out the names of Dorothy and the others. But the three
Silver Princes scowled and whispered indignantly among themselves.

"I am growing very wroth!" choked Sir Hokus to the Cowardly Lion.

"Let the ceremony proceed!" called the eldest Prince harshly, before
the Scarecrow had finished his introductions. "Let the proper body of
his Serene Highness be immediately restored. Way for the Grand
Gheewizard! Way for the Grand Gheewizard!"

"One moment," put in the Scarecrow in a dignified voice. "I have
something to say." The Silver Islanders clapped loudly at this, and
Dorothy felt a bit reassured. Perhaps they would listen to reason
after all and let the Scarecrow depart peacefully. How they were ever
to escape if they didn't, the little girl could not see.

"My dear children," began the Scarec