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The Marvelous Land of Oz | L. Frank Baum | |
Jack Pumpkinhead's Ride to the Emerald City |
Page 3 of 4 |
This man was short and round, with a fat face that seemed remarkably good-natured. He was clothed all in green and wore a high, peaked green hat upon his head and green spectacles over his eyes. Bowing before the Pumpkinhead he said: "I am the Guardian of the Gates of the Emerald City. May I inquire who you are, and what is your business?" "My name is Jack Pumpkinhead," returned the other, smilingly; "but as to my business, I haven't the least idea in the world what it is." The Guardian of the Gates looked surprised, and shook his head as if dissatisfied with the reply. "What are you, a man or a pumpkin?" he asked, politely. "Both, if you please," answered Jack. "And this wooden horse -- is it alive?" questioned the Guardian. The horse rolled one knotty eye upward and winked at Jack. Then it gave a prance and brought one leg down on the Guardian's toes. "Ouch!" cried the man; "I'm sorry I asked that question. But the answer is most convincing. Have you any errand, sir, in the Emerald City?" "It seems to me that I have," replied the Pumpkinhead, seriously; "but I cannot think what it is. My father knows all about it, but he is not here." "This is a strange affair very strange!" declared the Guardian. "But you seem harmless. Folks do not smile so delightfully when they mean mischief." "As for that," said Jack, "I cannot help my smile, for it is carved on my face with a jack-knife." "Well, come with me into my room," resumed the Guardian, "and I will see what can be done for you." |
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The Marvelous Land of Oz L. Frank Baum |
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