So they sat down upon the bank and gazed wistfully at the Scarecrow
until a Stork flew by, who, upon seeing them, stopped to rest at the
water s edge.
Who are you and where are you going? asked the Stork.
I am Dorothy, answered the girl, and these are my friends, the Tin
Woodman and the Cowardly Lion; and we are going to the Emerald City.
This isn t the road, said the Stork, as she twisted her long neck and
looked sharply at the queer party.
I know it, returned Dorothy, but we have lost the Scarecrow, and are
wondering how we shall get him again.
Where is he? asked the Stork.
Over there in the river, answered the little girl.
If he wasn t so big and heavy I would get him for you, remarked the
Stork.
He isn t heavy a bit, said Dorothy eagerly, for he is stuffed with
straw; and if you will bring him back to us, we shall thank you ever
and ever so much.
Well, I ll try, said the Stork, but if I find he is too heavy to
carry I shall have to drop him in the river again.
So the big bird flew into the air and over the water till she came to
where the Scarecrow was perched upon his pole. Then the Stork with her
great claws grabbed the Scarecrow by the arm and carried him up into
the air and back to the bank, where Dorothy and the Lion and the Tin
Woodman and Toto were sitting.
When the Scarecrow found himself among his friends again, he was so
happy that he hugged them all, even the Lion and Toto; and as they
walked along he sang Tol-de-ri-de-oh! at every step, he felt so gay.
I was afraid I should have to stay in the river forever, he said,
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