284from wearing out, and the tinkle of these golden shoes upon the pavementalways filled the Queen's subjects with awe as they thought upon thisevidence of her magical powers.
"The Wonderful Wizard was never so wonderful as Queen Ozma," the people saidto one another, in whispers; "for he claimed to do many things he could notdo; whereas our new Queen does many things no one would ever expect her toaccomplish."
Jack Pumpkinhead remained with Ozma to the end of his days; and he did notspoil as soon as he had feared, although he always remained as stupid asever. The Woggle-Bug tried to teach him several arts and sciences; but Jackwas so poor a student that any attempt to educate him was soon abandoned.
After Glinda's army had marched back home, and peace was restored to theEmerald City, the Tin Woodman announced his intention to return to his ownKingdom of the Winkies.
"It isn't a very big Kingdom," said he to Ozma, "but for that very reason itis easier to rule; and I have called myself an Emperor because I am anAbsolute Monarch, and no one interferes in any way with my conduct of publicor personal affairs. When I get home I shall have a new coat of nickelplate; for I have become somewhat marred and scratched lately;
285and then I shall be glad to have you pay me a visit."
"Thank you," replied Ozma. "Some day I may accept the invitation. But whatis to become of the Scarecrow?"
"I shall return with my friend the Tin Woodman," said the stuffed one,seriously. "We have decided never to be parted in the future."
"And I have made the Scarecrow my Royal Treasurer," explained the TinWoodman." For it has occurred to me that it is a good thing to have a RoyalTreasurer who is made of money. What do you think?"
"I think," said the little Queen, smiling, "that your friend must be therichest man in all the world."
"I am," returned the Scarecrow. "but not on account of my money. For Iconsider brains far superior to money, in every way. You may have noticedthat if one has money without brains, he cannot use it to advantage; but ifone has brains without money, they will enable him to live comfortably tothe end of his days."
"At the same time," declared the Tin Woodman, "you must acknowledge that agood heart is a thing that brains can not create, and that money can notbuy. Perhaps, after all, it is I who am the richest man in all the world."
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"You are both rich, my friends," said Ozma, gently; "and your riches are theonly riches worth having--the riches of content!"
The End
The Marvelous Land of Oz Page 15
