Then we are all right, answered the Scarecrow, for you can carry us
all over on your back, one at a time.
Well, I ll try it, said the Lion. Who will go first?
I will, declared the Scarecrow, for, if you found that you could not
jump over the gulf, Dorothy would be killed, or the Tin Woodman badly
dented on the rocks below. But if I am on your back it will not matter
so much, for the fall would not hurt me at all.
I am terribly afraid of falling, myself, said the Cowardly Lion, but
I suppose there is nothing to do but try it. So get on my back and we
will make the attempt.
The Scarecrow sat upon the Lion s back, and the big beast walked to the
edge of the gulf and crouched down.
Why don t you run and jump? asked the Scarecrow.
Because that isn t the way we Lions do these things, he replied. Then
giving a great spring, he shot through the air and landed safely on the
other side. They were all greatly pleased to see how easily he did it,
and after the Scarecrow had got down from his back the Lion sprang
across the ditch again.
Dorothy thought she would go next; so she took Toto in her arms and
climbed on the Lion s back, holding tightly to his mane with one hand.
The next moment it seemed as if she were flying through the air; and
then, before she had time to think about it, she was safe on the other
side. The Lion went back a third time and got the Tin Woodman, and then
they all sat down for a few moments to give the beast a chance to rest,
for his great leaps had made his breath short, and he panted like a big
dog that has been running too long.
They found the forest very thick on this side, and it looked dark and
gloomy. After the Lion had rested they started along the road of yellow
brick, silently wondering, each in his own mind, if ever they would
come to the end of the woods and reach the bright sunshine again. To
add to their discomfort, they soon heard strange noises in the depths
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