Oz would give me some brains?
I cannot tell, she returned, but you may come with me, if you like.
If Oz will not give you any brains you will be no worse off than you
are now.
That is true, said the Scarecrow. You see, he continued
confidentially, I don t mind my legs and arms and body being stuffed,
because I cannot get hurt. If anyone treads on my toes or sticks a pin
into me, it doesn t matter, for I can t feel it. But I do not want
people to call me a fool, and if my head stays stuffed with straw
instead of with brains, as yours is, how am I ever to know anything?
I understand how you feel, said the little girl, who was truly sorry
for him. If you will come with me I ll ask Oz to do all he can for
you.
Thank you, he answered gratefully.
They walked back to the road. Dorothy helped him over the fence, and
they started along the path of yellow brick for the Emerald City.
Toto did not like this addition to the party at first. He smelled
around the stuffed man as if he suspected there might be a nest of rats
in the straw, and he often growled in an unfriendly way at the
Scarecrow.
Don t mind Toto, said Dorothy to her new friend. He never bites.
Oh, I m not afraid, replied the Scarecrow. He can t hurt the straw.
Do let me carry that basket for you. I shall not mind it, for I can t
get tired. I ll tell you a secret, he continued, as he walked along.
There is only one thing in the world I am afraid of.
What is that? asked Dorothy; the Munchkin farmer who made you?
No, answered the Scarecrow; it s a lighted match.
17