In one place a case filled with books stood
against the wall, and elsewhere Ojo saw a cupboard
containing all sorts of games.
"May I stay here a little while before I go to
prison?" asked the boy, pleadingly.
"Why, this is your prison," replied Tollydiggle,
"and in me behold your jailor. Take off those
handcuffs, Soldier, for it is impossible for
anyone to escape from this house."
"I know that very well," replied the soldier and
at once unlocked the handcuffs and released the
prisoner.
The woman touched a button on the wall and
lighted a big chandelier that hung suspended from
the ceiling, for it was growing dark outside. Then
she seated herself at a desk and asked:
"What name?"
"Ojo the Unlucky," answered the Soldier
with the Green Whiskers.
"Unlucky? Ah, that accounts for it," said she.
"What crime?"
"Breaking a Law of Oz."
"All right. There's your receipt, Soldier; and
now I'm responsible for the prisoner. I'm glad
of it, for this is the first time I've ever had
anything to do, in my official capacity," remarked
the jailer, in a pleased tone.
"It's the same with me, Tollydiggle," laughed
the soldier. "But my task is finished and I must
go and report to Ozma that I've done my duty
like a faithful Police Force, a loyal Army and
an honest Body-Guard--as I hope I am.
Pages:
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164