Bravo!" roared the Cowardly Lion, and now the little party began in
real earnest the preparation for the journey back to Oz.

First, Happy brought them a delicious luncheon, with plenty of twigs
and hay for the camel and dromedary and meat for the Cowardly Lion.
The Scarecrow packed into the camel's sacks a few little souvenirs
for the people of Oz. Then they dressed Happy Toko in the Scarecrow's
most splendid robe and ordered him to sit upon the throne. Next, the
Scarecrow rang for one of the palace servants and ordered the people
of the Silver Islands to assemble in the hall.

Presently the Silvermen began to come trooping in, packing the great
throne room until it could hold no more. Everyone was chattering
excitedly.

It was quite a different company that greeted them. The Scarecrow,
cheerful and witty in his old Munchkin suit, Dorothy and Sir Hokus
smiling happily, and the three animal members of the party fairly
blinking with contentment.

"This," said the Scarecrow pleasantly when everyone was quiet, "is
your new Emperor, to whom I ask you to pledge allegiance." He waved
proudly in the direction of Happy Toko, who, to tell the truth,
presented a truly royal appearance. "It is not possible for me to
remain with you, but I shall always watch over this delightful island
and with the magic fan vanquish all its enemies and punish all
offenders."

Happy Toko bowed to his subjects.

The Silver Islanders exchanged startled glances, then, as the
Scarecrow carelessly lifted the fan, they fell prostrate to the
earth.

"Ah!" said the Scarecrow with a broad wink at Happy. "This is
delightful. You agree with me, I see. Now then, three cheers for
Tappy Oko, Imperial Emperor of the Silver Island."

The cheers were given with a will, and Happy in acknowledgement made
a speech that has since been written into the Royal Book of state as
a masterpiece of eloquence.

Having arranged affairs so satisfactorily, the Scarecrow embraced
Happy Toko with deep emotion. Dorothy and Sir Hokus shook hands with
him and wished him every success and happiness. Then the little party
from Oz walked deliberately to the bean pole in the center of the
hall.

The Silver Islanders were still a bit dazed by the turn affairs had
taken and stared in astonishment as the Scarecrow and Sir Hokus
fastened thick ropes around the Cowardly Lion, the Doubtful Dromedary
and the Comfortable Camel. Similar ropes they tied around their own
waists and Dor