t way--that the
boy soon grew to like him.

"I thought a while ago that you were buried in three parts," said
Dorothy, "but now I see you're just the same as ever."

"Not quite the same, my dear, for my mouth is a little more one-sided
than it used to be; but pretty nearly the same. I've a new head, and
this is the fourth one I've owned since Ozma first made me and brought
me to life by sprinkling me with the Magic Powder."

"What became of the other heads, Jack?"

"They spoiled and I buried them, for they were not even fit for pies.
Each time Ozma has carved me a new head just like the old one, and as
my body is by far the largest part of me, I am still Jack Pumpkinhead,
no matter how often I change my upper end. Once we had a dreadful time
to find another pumpkin, as they were out of season, and so I was
obliged to wear my old head a little longer than was strictly healthy.
But after this sad experience I resolved to raise pumpkins myself, so
as never to be caught again without one handy; and now I have this fine
field that you see before you. Some grow pretty big--too big to be
used for heads--so I dug out this one and use it for a house."

"Isn't it damp?" asked Dorothy.

"Not very. There isn't much left but the shell, you see, and it will
last a long time yet."

"I think you are brighter than you used to be, Jack," said the Tin
Woodman. "Your last head was a stupid one."

"The seeds in this one are better," was the reply.

"Are you going to Ozma's party?" asked Dorothy.

"Yes," said he, "I wouldn't miss it for anything. Ozma's my parent,
you know, because she built my body and carved my pumpkin head. I'll
follow you to the Emerald City to-morrow, where we shall meet again. I
can't go to-day, because I have to plant fresh pumpkin-seeds and water
the young vines. But give my love to Ozma, and tell her I'll be there
in time for the jubilation."

"We will," she promised; and then they all left him and resumed their
journey.

17. The Royal Chariot Arrives

The neat yellow houses of the Winkies were now to be seen standing here
and there along the roadway, giving the country a more cheerful and
civilized look. They were farm-houses, though, and set far apart; for
in the Land of Oz there were no towns or villages except the
magnificent Emerald City in its center.

Hedges of evergreen or of yellow roses bordered the broad highway and
the farms showed the care of their industrious inhabi