"
"But why are you all so despondent?" inquired the Woggle-Bug. "The
Scarecrow's clothing is still safe."
"Yes," answered the Tin Woodman; "but our friend's clothes are useless
without stuffing."
"Why not stuff him with money?" asked Tip.
"Money!" they all cried, in an amazed chorus.
"To be sure," said the boy. "In the bottom of the nest are thousands of
dollar bills -- and two-dollar bills -- and five-dollar bills -- and tens,
and twenties, and fifties. There are enough of them to stuff a dozen
Scarecrows. Why not use the money?"
The Tin Woodman began to turn over the rubbish with the handle of his axe;
and, sure enough, what they had first thought only worthless papers were
found to be all bills of various denominations,
223
which the mischievous Jackdaws had for years been engaged in stealing from
the villages and cities they visited.
There was an immense fortune lying in that inaccessible nest; and Tip's
suggestion was, with the Scarecrow's consent, quickly acted upon.
They selected all the newest and cleanest bills and assorted them into
various piles. The Scarecrow's left leg and boot were stuffed with five-
dollar bills; his right leg was stuffed with ten-dollar bills, and his body
so closely filled with fifties, one-hundreds and one-thousands that he could
scarcely button his jacket with comfort.
"You are now" said the Woggle-Bug, impressively, when the task had been
completed, "the most valuable member of our party; and as you
Line-Art Drawing
224
are among faithful friends there is little danger of your being spent.
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