But I see before us the
gates of the Emerald City, so I imagine we have now overcome all the magical
obstacles that seemed to oppose us."
Indeed, the walls of the City were plainly visible, and the Queen of the
Field Mice, who had guided them so faithfully, came near to bid them good-
bye.
"We are very grateful to your Majesty for your kind assistance," said the
Tin Woodman, bowing before the pretty creature.
"I am always pleased to be of service to my friends," answered the Queen,
and in a flash she had darted away upon her journey home.
168 Full page line-art drawing.
169 The Prisoners of the Queen
Approaching the gateway of the Emerald City the travelers found it guarded
by two girls of the Army of Revolt, who opposed their entrance by drawing
the knitting-needles from their hair and threatening to prod the first that
came near.
But the Tin Woodman was not afraid."
At the worst they can but scratch my beautiful nickel-plate," he said. "But
there will be no 'worst,' for I think I can manage to frighten these absurd
soldiers very easily. Follow me closely, all of you!"
Then, swinging his axe in a great circle to right and left before him, he
advanced upon the gate, and the others followed him without hesitation.
The girls, who had expected no resistance whatever, were terrified by the
sweep of the glittering axe and fled screaming into the city; so that our
170
travelers passed the gates in safety and marched down the green marble
pavement of the wide street toward the royal palace.
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