Page:Kabumpo in Oz.djvu/264

The Scarecrow nodded vigorously and told in a few words of their terrible journey to Ev and their present perilous position. How the palace had gotten on Ruggedo's head, he admitted was a puzzle to him. Kabumpo and Pompadore listened with amazement, especially to the part where they had threatened Ruggedo with eggs.

"And he's kept still for two days just on account of eggs?" gasped the Elegant Elephant incredulously.

"Well, no," admitted the Scarecrow, wrinkling uphis forehead. "A little man came flying through the air the first morning and bumped into the palace and instantly everyone except Scraps and me fell asleep. Ruggedo was put to sleep, too; we could hear him snoring."

"Why, it must have been the Sand Man," breathed Peg Amy. "I have heard he lived near here."

"Are they asleep now?" asked Pompa, clutching the Scarecrow's arm. How romantic—thought the Prince of Pumperdink—to rescue and waken a sleeping Princess!

But the Scarecrow shook his head. "A few minutes before I fell out they began to wake up and I'd just gone to the window to look for Glinda when Ruggedo gave a howl and ducked his head and here I fell."