2. Ellie in the amazing country of munchkins. The Wizard of Oz. Volkov's Tale.
Ellie woke up because the dog licked her face with a hot wet tongue and whined. At first it seemed to her that she had an amazing dream, and Ellie was about to tell her mother about it. But, seeing the overturned chairs, the stove lying on the floor, Ellie realized that everything was real.
The girl jumped out of bed. The house did not move. The sun was shining brightly through the window.
Ellie ran to the door, flung it open and screamed in surprise.
The hurricane brought the house into a country of extraordinary beauty: a green lawn spread around; trees with ripe, juicy fruits grew along its edges; the meadows were filled with beautiful pink, white and blue flowers. Tiny birds fluttered in the air, sparkling with their bright plumage. Golden-green and red-breasted parrots sat on the branches of the trees and screamed in high, strange voices. A transparent stream gurgled in the distance, and silvery fish frolicked in the water.
As the girl stood hesitantly in the doorway, the funniest and cutest little people imaginable appeared from behind the trees. The men, dressed in blue velvet caftans and tight knickers, were no taller than Ellie; on their feet shone blue over-the-knee boots with cuffs. But most of all, Ellie liked the pointed hats: their tops were decorated with crystal balls, and under the wide brim small bells jingled softly.
An old woman in a white robe walked gravely in front of the three men; tiny stars glittered on her pointed hat and robe. The old woman's gray hair fell over her shoulders.
In the distance, behind the fruit trees, a whole crowd of small men and women could be seen; they stood whispering and exchanging glances, but did not dare to come closer.
Approaching the girl, these timid little people smiled affably and somewhat timidly at Ellie, but the old woman looked at Ellie with obvious bewilderment. The three men moved forward in unison and took off their hats at once. "Ding ding ding!" - bells rang out. Ellie noticed that the jaws of the little men were moving incessantly, as if they were chewing on something.
The old woman turned to Ellie:
Tell me, how did you end up in the country of the Munchkins, dear child?
I was brought here by a hurricane in this house, - Ellie answered timidly.
Strange, very strange! - the old woman shook her head. - Now you will understand my bewilderment. Here is how it was. I learned that the evil sorceress Gingema was out of her mind and wanted to destroy the human race and populate the earth with rats and snakes. And I had to use all my magic art ...
How, madam! - Ellie exclaimed with fear. - Are you a sorceress? But what did my mother tell me that now there are no wizards?
Where does your mom live?
In Kansas.
I've never heard such a name, - said the sorceress, pursing her lips. “But, no matter what your mother says, wizards and sages live in this country. There were four of us here. Two of us - the sorceress of the Yellow Country (it's me - Willina!) And the sorceress of the Pink Country Stella - are kind. And the sorceress of the Blue Land of Gingham and the sorceress of the Purple Land of Bastinda are very evil. Your house crushed Gingema, and now there is only one evil sorceress left in our country.
Ellie was amazed. How could she destroy the evil sorceress, a little girl who did not even kill a sparrow in her life ?!
Ellie said:
You are, of course, mistaken: I did not kill anyone.
I don’t blame you for that, ”said the sorceress Willina calmly. - After all, it was me, in order to save people from trouble, deprived the hurricane of its destructive power and allowed it to seize only one house in order to throw it on the head of the insidious Gingema, because I read in my magic book that it is always empty in a storm ...
Ellie shyly replied:
It's true, madam, during hurricanes we hide in the cellar, but I ran to the house for my dog ...
My magic book could not have foreseen such a reckless act! - the sorceress Willina was upset. - So, this little beast is to blame for everything ...
Totoshka, av av, with your permission, madam! - the dog unexpectedly intervened in the conversation. - Yes, sadly I confess, it's all my fault ...
How did you speak, Totoshka !? - Ellie cried out in surprise.
I don’t know how it turns out, Ellie, but, av av, human words involuntarily fly out of my mouth ...
You see, Ellie, - Willina explained, - in this wonderful country not only people speak, but all animals and even birds. Look around, do you like our country?
She's not bad, ma'am, ”said Ellie,“ but our house is better. You should have looked at our farmyard! You should have looked at our Pied Piglet, madam! No, I want to return to my homeland, to my father and mother ...
It is hardly possible, - said the sorceress. “Our country is separated from the rest of the world by desert and huge mountains, through which not a single person passed. I'm afraid, my little one, that you will have to stay with us.
Ellie's eyes filled with tears. The Good Munchkins were very upset and also wept, wiping away their tears with blue handkerchiefs. The munchkins took off their hats and put them on the ground so that the bells would not interfere with their sobbing with their ringing.
Will you help me at all, at all? Ellie asked sadly.
Oh yes, - Willina caught herself, - I completely forgot that my magic book was with me. We need to look into it: maybe I'll read something useful for you there ...
Willina pulled out a tiny little book the size of a thimble from the folds of her clothes. The sorceress blew on her, and in front of the surprised and a little frightened Ellie, the book began to grow, grow and turned into a huge volume. It was so heavy that the old woman put it on big Stone... Willina looked at the pages of the book, and they turned over under her gaze.
Found, found! - the sorceress suddenly exclaimed and began to slowly read: - “Bambara, chufara, scoriki, moriki, turabo, furabo, loriki, yoriki ... cherished desires, pickup, trikapu, botalo, shook ... "
Pickup, trikapu, botalo, shook ... - repeated the Munchkins in sacred horror.
Who is Goodwin? Ellie asked.
Oh, this is the greatest sage of our country, - the old woman whispered. - He is more powerful than all of us and lives in the Emerald City.
Is he evil or kind?
Nobody knows that. But do not be afraid, find three creatures, fulfill their cherished desires, and the wizard of the Emerald City will help you return to your country!
Where is the Emerald City? Ellie asked.
He is in the center of the country. The great sage and wizard, Goodwin, built and controls it himself. But he surrounded himself with extraordinary mystery, and no one saw him after the construction of the city, and it ended many, many years ago.
How do I get to the Emerald City?
The road is far away. The country is not always as good as it is here. There are dark forests with terrible animals, there are fast rivers - crossing them is dangerous ...
Will you come with me? the girl asked.
No, my child, - answered Willina. - I cannot leave the Yellow Country for a long time. You must go alone. The road to the Emerald City is paved with yellow bricks, and you won't get lost. When you come to Goodwin, ask him for help ...
How long will I have to live here, madam? - asked Ellie, bowing her head.
I don't know, - answered Willina. - About this nothing is said in my magic book. Go, look, fight! From time to time I will look into the magic book to know how your business is going ... Goodbye, my dear!
Willina leaned over to the huge book, and it immediately shrank to the size of a thimble and disappeared into the folds of her mantle. A whirlwind flew in, it became dark, and when the darkness cleared away, Willina was gone: the sorceress disappeared. Ellie and the Munchkins trembled with fear, and the bells on the little people's hats rang by themselves.
When everyone had calmed down a little, the bravest of the Munchkins, their foreman, turned to Ellie:
Mighty Fairy! Welcome to the Blue Country! You killed the evil Gingema and freed the Munchkins!
Ellie said:
You are very kind, but there is a mistake: I am not a fairy. And you heard that my house fell on Gingema by order of the sorceress Willina ...
We don’t believe that, ”said Chief Munchkin stubbornly. - We heard your conversation with the good sorceress, botalo, shook, but we think that you are a powerful fairy. After all, only fairies can travel through the air in their houses, and only a fairy could free us from Gingema, the evil sorceress of the Blue Country. Gingema ruled over us for many years and made us work day and night ...
She made us work day and night! the Munchkins said in unison.
She ordered us to catch spiders and bats, collect frogs and leeches in the ditches. These were her favorite foods ...
And we, - the Munchkins cried, - we are very afraid of spiders and leeches!
What are you crying about? Ellie asked. - After all, all this has passed!
True true! - The munchkins laughed in unison, and the bells on their hats rang merrily.
Mighty Lady Ellie! - the foreman spoke. - Do you want to become our mistress instead of Gingema? We are sure that you are very kind and will not punish us too often! ..
No, - objected Ellie, - I'm just a little girl and I'm not fit to be the ruler of the country. If you want to help me, give me the opportunity to fulfill your most cherished desires!
We had the only desire to get rid of the evil Gingema, pickup, tricap! But your house is a krak! crack! - crushed her, and we have no more desires! .. - said the foreman.
Then I have nothing to do here. I will go look for those who have desires. Only now my shoes are very old and torn, they will not withstand a long journey. Really, Totoshka? - Ellie turned to the dog.
Of course, they will not stand it, - agreed Totoshka. “But don’t worry, Ellie, I saw something nearby and I’ll help you!”
You? - the girl was surprised.
Yes I! - Totoshka answered proudly and disappeared into the trees. A minute later he returned with a beautiful silver shoe in his teeth and solemnly laid it at Ellie's feet. A gold buckle glittered on the shoe.
Where did you get it from? - Ellie was amazed.
I'll tell you now! - answered the out of breath dog, disappeared and returned again with another shoe.
How lovely! - said Ellie with admiration and tried on the shoes: they just hit her leg, as if they were sewn onto her.
When I was running on reconnaissance, - Totoshka began importantly, - I saw a big black hole in the mountain behind the trees ...
Ah ah ah! - the Munchkins shouted in horror. - After all, this is the entrance to the cave of the evil sorceress Gingema! And you dared to enter there? ..
What's so terrible about that? After all, Gingema is dead! - objected Totoshka.
You must be a wizard too! - said the foreman with fear; all the other Munchkins nodded their heads in agreement, and the bells under their hats rang in unison.
It was there, entering this, as you call it, cave, I saw many funny and strange things, but most of all I liked the shoes standing at the entrance. Some big birds with terrible yellow eyes tried to prevent me from taking my shoes, but will Toto be afraid of anything when he wants to serve his Ellie?
Oh, you are my dear daredevil! - Ellie exclaimed and gently hugged the dog to her chest. - In these shoes I will walk tirelessly as much as I want ...
It's very good that you got the shoes of the evil Gingema, - the elder Munchkin interrupted her. “They seem to have a magical power in them, because Gingema only wore them on the most important occasions. But what kind of power it is, we do not know ... And you still leave us, dear Mrs. Ellie? the foreman asked with a sigh. - Then we will bring you something to eat on the road ...
The Munchkins left, and Ellie was left alone. She found a piece of bread in the house and ate it on the bank of the stream, washed down with clear cold water. Then she began to get ready for a long journey, and Toto was running under the tree and trying to grab a noisy motley parrot sitting on the lower branch, which was teasing him all the time.
Ellie got out of the van, carefully closed the door and wrote on it in chalk: "I am not at home."
Meanwhile, the Munchkins returned. They brought in enough food for Ellie to last several years. There were rams, fried geese and ducks, fruit baskets ...
Ellie said with a laugh:
Well, where do I go, my friends?
She put some bread and fruit in the basket, said goodbye to the Munchkins and boldly set off on a long journey with the cheerful Toto.
There was a crossroads not far from the house: several roads diverged here. Ellie chose the yellow brick road and walked briskly along it. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the little girl, abandoned in an amazing foreign land, felt not bad at all.
The road was fenced off on both sides by beautiful blue hedges, behind which began cultivated fields. In some places round houses could be seen. Their roofs were like the pointed hats of the Munchkins. Crystal balls sparkled on the rooftops. The houses were painted blue.
Little men and women were working in the fields, taking off their hats and bowing to Ellie. After all, now every Munchkin knew that the girl in silver shoes had freed their country from the evil sorceress by dropping her house - the krak! crack! - right on her head. All the Munchkins, whom Ellie met on the way, looked at Toto with fearful surprise and, hearing his barking, plugged their ears. When a cheerful dog ran up to one of the Munchkins, he ran away from him at full speed: there were no dogs at all in Goodwin's country.
Towards evening, when Ellie was hungry and was thinking about where to spend the night, she saw a large house by the road. Little men and women danced on the front lawn. The musicians played diligently on small violins and flutes. There and then children were frolicking, so tiny that Ellie opened her eyes in amazement: they looked like dolls. Long tables were set out on the terrace with vases full of fruits, nuts, chocolates, delicious pies and large cakes.
Seeing Ellie, a handsome tall old man came out of the crowd of dancing (he was a whole finger taller than Ellie!) And said with a bow:
My friends and I are celebrating today the liberation of our country from the evil sorceress. Do I dare ask the mighty fairy of the House of Killing to take part in our feast?
Why do you think I'm a fairy? Ellie asked.
You crushed the evil sorceress Gingema - Krak! crack! - like an empty eggshell; you are wearing her magic shoes; you are with an amazing beast, which we have never seen, and, according to the stories of our friends, he is also gifted with magical powers ...
Ellie could not object to this and went after the old man, whose name was Prem Caucus. She was greeted like a queen, and bells rang incessantly, and there were endless dances, and a great many cakes were eaten and countless refreshments were drunk, and the whole evening was so cheerful and pleasant that Ellie remembered about her father and mother, just falling asleep in bed.
In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, she asked Kokus:
How far is the Emerald City from here?
I don’t know, ”the old man replied thoughtfully. - I've never been there. Better to stay away from Great Goodwin, especially if you have no important business with him. And the road to the Emerald City is long and difficult. You will have to cross dark forests and cross fast deep rivers.
Ellie was a little upset, but she knew that only Great Goodwin would return her to Kansas, and so she said goodbye to her friends and set off again along the road paved with yellow bricks.
Ellie woke up because the dog licked her face with a hot wet tongue and whined. At first it seemed to her that she had an amazing dream, and Ellie was about to tell her mother about it. But, seeing the overturned chairs, the stove lying on the floor, Ellie realized that everything was real.
The girl jumped out of bed. The house did not move. The sun was shining brightly through the window.
Ellie ran to the door, flung it open and screamed in surprise.
The hurricane brought the house into a country of extraordinary beauty: a green lawn spread around; trees with ripe, juicy fruits grew along its edges; the meadows were filled with beautiful pink, white and blue flowers. Tiny birds fluttered in the air, sparkling with their bright plumage. Golden-green and red-breasted parrots sat on the branches of the trees and shouted in high, strange voices. A transparent stream gurgled in the distance, and silvery fish frolicked in the water.
As the girl stood hesitantly on the doorstep, the funniest and cutest little people imaginable appeared from behind the trees. The men, dressed in blue velvet caftans and tight knickers, were no taller than Ellie; on their feet shone blue over-the-knee boots with cuffs. But most of all, Ellie liked the pointed hats: their tops were decorated with crystal balls, and under the wide brim small bells jingled softly.
An old woman in a white robe walked gravely in front of the three men; tiny stars glittered on her pointed hat and robe. The old woman's gray hair fell over her shoulders.
In the distance, behind the fruit trees, a whole crowd of small men and women could be seen; they stood whispering and exchanging glances, but did not dare to come closer.
Approaching the girl, these timid little people smiled affably and somewhat timidly at Ellie, but the old woman looked at Ellie with obvious bewilderment. The three men moved forward in unison and took off their hats at once. "Ding-ding-ding!" - bells rang out. Ellie noticed that the jaws of the little men were moving incessantly, as if they were chewing on something.
The old woman turned to Ellie:
Tell me, how did you end up in the country of the Munchkins, dear child?
I was brought here by a hurricane in this house, - Ellie answered timidly.
Strange, very strange! - the old woman shook her head. - Now you will understand my bewilderment. Here is how it was. I learned that the evil sorceress Gingema was out of her mind and wanted to destroy the human race and populate the earth with rats and snakes. And I had to use all my magic art ...
How, madam! - Ellie exclaimed with fear. - Are you a sorceress? But what did my mother tell me that now there are no wizards?
Where does your mom live?
In Kansas.
I've never heard such a name, - said the sorceress, pursing her lips. “But, no matter what your mother says, wizards and sages live in this country. There were four of us here. Two of us - the sorceress of the Yellow Country (it's me - Willina!) And the sorceress of the Pink Country Stella - are kind. And the sorceress of the Blue Land of Gingham and the sorceress of the Purple Land of Bastinda are very evil. Your house crushed Gingema, and now there is only one evil sorceress left in our country.
Ellie was amazed. How could she destroy the evil sorceress, a little girl who did not even kill a sparrow in her life ?!
Ellie said:
You are, of course, mistaken: I did not kill anyone.
I don’t blame you for that, ”said the sorceress Willina calmly. - After all, it was me, in order to save people from disaster, deprived the hurricane of its destructive power and allowed it to capture only one house in order to throw it on the head of the insidious Gingema, because I read in my magic book that it is always empty in a storm ...
Ellie shyly replied:
It's true, madam, during hurricanes we hide in the cellar, but I ran to the house for my dog ...
My magic book could not have foreseen such a reckless act! - the sorceress Willina was upset. - So, this little beast is to blame for everything ...
Totoshka, av-av, with your permission, madam! - the dog unexpectedly intervened in the conversation. - Yes, sadly I confess, it's all my fault ...
How did you speak, Totoshka !? - Ellie cried out in surprise.
I don’t know how it turns out, Ellie, but, aw-aw, human words involuntarily fly out of my mouth ...
You see, Ellie, - Willina explained, - in this wonderful country not only people speak, but all animals and even birds. Look around, do you like our country?
She's not bad, ma'am, ”said Ellie,“ but our house is better. You should have looked at our farmyard! You should have looked at our Pied Piglet, madam! No, I want to return to my homeland, to my dad and mom ...
It is hardly possible, - said the sorceress. “Our country is separated from the rest of the world by desert and huge mountains, through which not a single person passed. I'm afraid, my little one, that you will have to stay with us.
Ellie's eyes filled with tears. The Good Munchkins were very upset and also wept, wiping away their tears with blue handkerchiefs. The munchkins took off their hats and put them on the ground so that the bells would not interfere with their sobbing with their ringing.
Will you help me at all, at all? Ellie asked sadly.
Oh yes, - Willina caught herself, - I completely forgot that my magic book was with me. We need to look into it: maybe I’ll read something useful for you there ...
Willina pulled out a tiny little book the size of a thimble from the folds of her clothes. The sorceress blew on her, and in front of the surprised and a little frightened Ellie, the book began to grow, grow and turned into a huge volume. It was so heavy that the old woman put it on a large stone. Willina looked at the pages of the book, and they turned over under her gaze.
Found, found! - the sorceress suddenly exclaimed and began to slowly read: - "Bambara, chufara, scoriki, moriki, turabo, furabo, loriki, yoriki ... The great wizard Goodwin will return home a little girl brought to his country by a hurricane if she helps three creatures to achieve execution their most cherished desires, pickup, trikapu, botalo, shook ... "
Pickup, trikapu, botalo, shook ... - repeated the Munchkins in sacred horror.
Who is Goodwin? Ellie asked.
Oh, this is the greatest sage of our country, - the old woman whispered. - He is more powerful than all of us and lives in the Emerald City.
Is he evil or kind?
Nobody knows that. But do not be afraid, find three creatures, fulfill their cherished desires, and the wizard of the Emerald City will help you return to your country!
Where is the Emerald City? Ellie asked.
He is in the center of the country. The great sage and wizard, Goodwin, built and controls it himself. But he surrounded himself with extraordinary mystery, and no one saw him after the construction of the city, and it ended many, many years ago.
How do I get to the Emerald City?
The road is far away. The country is not always as good as it is here. There are dark forests with terrible animals, there are fast rivers - crossing them is dangerous ...
Will you come with me? the girl asked.
No, my child, - answered Willina. - I cannot leave the Yellow Country for a long time. You must go alone. The road to the Emerald City is paved with yellow bricks, and you won't get lost. When you come to Goodwin, ask him for help ...
How long will I have to live here, madam? - asked Ellie, bowing her head.
I don't know, - answered Willina. - About this nothing is said in my magic book. Go, look, fight! I will from time to time look into the magic book to know how your business is going ... Goodbye, my dear!
Willina leaned over to the huge book, and it immediately shrank to the size of a thimble and disappeared into the folds of her mantle. A whirlwind flew in, it became dark, and when the darkness cleared away, Willina was gone: the sorceress disappeared. Ellie and the Munchkins trembled with fear, and the bells on the little people's hats rang by themselves.
When everyone had calmed down a little, the bravest of the Munchkins, their foreman, turned to Ellie:
Mighty Fairy! Welcome to the Blue Country! You killed the evil Gingema and freed the Munchkins!
Ellie said:
You are very kind, but there is a mistake: I am not a fairy. And you heard that my house fell on Gingema by order of the sorceress Willina ...
We don’t believe that, ”said Chief Munchkin stubbornly. - We heard your conversation with the good sorceress, botalo, shook, but we think that you are a powerful fairy. After all, only fairies can travel through the air in their houses, and only a fairy could free us from Gingema, the evil sorceress of the Blue Country. Gingema ruled over us for many years and made us work day and night ...
She made us work day and night! the Munchkins said in unison.
She ordered us to catch spiders and bats, collect frogs and leeches in the ditches. These were her favorite foods ...
And we, - the Munchkins cried, - we are very afraid of spiders and leeches!
What are you crying about? Ellie asked. - After all, all this has passed!
True true! - The munchkins laughed in unison, and the bells on their hats rang merrily.
Mighty Lady Ellie! - the foreman spoke. - Do you want to become our mistress instead of Gingema? We are sure that you are very kind and will not punish us too often! ..
No, - objected Ellie, - I'm just a little girl and I'm not fit to be the ruler of the country. If you want to help me, give me the opportunity to fulfill your most cherished desires!
We had the only desire to get rid of the evil Gingema, pickup, tricap! But your house is a krak! crack! - crushed her, and we have no more desires! .. - said the foreman.
Then I have nothing to do here. I will go look for those who have desires. Only now my shoes are very old and torn, they will not withstand a long journey. Really, Totoshka? - Ellie turned to the dog.
Of course, they will not stand it, - agreed Totoshka. “But don’t worry, Ellie, I saw something nearby and I’ll help you!”
You? - the girl was surprised.
Yes I! - Totoshka answered proudly and disappeared into the trees. A minute later he returned with a beautiful silver shoe in his teeth and solemnly laid it at Ellie's feet. A gold buckle glittered on the shoe.
Where did you get it from? - Ellie was amazed.
I'll tell you now! - answered the out of breath dog, disappeared and returned again with another shoe.
How lovely! - said Ellie with admiration and tried on the shoes: they just hit her leg, as if they were sewn onto her.
When I was running on reconnaissance, - Totoshka began importantly, - I saw a big black hole in the mountain behind the trees ...
Ah ah ah! - the Munchkins shouted in horror. - After all, this is the entrance to the cave of the evil sorceress Gingema! And you dared to enter there? ..
What's so terrible about that? After all, Gingema is dead! - objected Totoshka.
You must be a wizard too! - said the foreman with fear; all the other Munchkins nodded their heads in agreement, and the bells under their hats rang in unison.
It was there, entering this, as you call it, cave, I saw many funny and strange things, but most of all I liked the shoes standing at the entrance. Some big birds with terrible yellow eyes tried to prevent me from taking my shoes, but will Toto be afraid of anything when he wants to serve his Ellie?
Oh you, my dear daredevil! - Ellie exclaimed and gently hugged the dog to her chest. - In these shoes, I will walk tirelessly as much as I want ...
It's very good that you got the shoes of the evil Gingema, - the elder Munchkin interrupted her. “They seem to have a magical power in them, because Gingema only wore them on the most important occasions. But what kind of power it is, we do not know ... And you still leave us, dear Mrs. Ellie? the foreman asked with a sigh. - Then we will bring you something to eat on the road ...
The Munchkins left, and Ellie was left alone. She found a piece of bread in the house and ate it on the bank of the stream, washed down with clear cold water. Then she began to get ready for a long journey, and Toto was running under the tree and trying to grab a noisy motley parrot sitting on the lower branch, which was teasing him all the time.
Ellie got out of the van, carefully closed the door and wrote on it in chalk: "I'm not at home."
Meanwhile, the Munchkins returned. They brought in enough food for Ellie to last several years. There were rams, fried geese and ducks, fruit baskets ...
Ellie said with a laugh:
Well, where do I need so much, my friends?
She put some bread and fruit in the basket, said goodbye to the Munchkins and boldly set off on a long journey with the cheerful Toto.
There was a crossroads not far from the house: several roads diverged here. Ellie chose the yellow brick road and walked briskly along it. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the little girl, abandoned in an amazing foreign land, felt not bad at all.
The road was fenced off on both sides by beautiful blue hedges, behind which began cultivated fields. In some places round houses could be seen. Their roofs were like the pointed hats of the Munchkins. Crystal balls sparkled on the rooftops. The houses were painted blue.
Little men and women were working in the fields, taking off their hats and bowing to Ellie. After all, now every Munchkin knew that the girl in silver shoes had freed their country from the evil sorceress by dropping her house - the krak! crack! - right on her head. All the Munchkins, whom Ellie met on the way, looked at Toto with fearful surprise and, hearing his barking, plugged their ears. When a cheerful dog ran up to one of the Munchkins, he ran away from him at full speed: there were no dogs at all in Goodwin's country.
Towards evening, when Ellie was hungry and was thinking about where to spend the night, she saw a large house by the road. Little men and women danced on the front lawn. The musicians played diligently on small violins and flutes. There and then children were frolicking, so tiny that Ellie opened her eyes in amazement: they looked like dolls. Long tables were set out on the terrace with vases full of fruits, nuts, chocolates, delicious pies and large cakes.
Seeing Ellie, a handsome tall old man came out of the crowd of dancing (he was a whole finger taller than Ellie!) And said with a bow:
My friends and I are celebrating today the liberation of our country from the evil sorceress. Do I dare ask the mighty fairy of the House of Killing to take part in our feast?
Why do you think I'm a fairy? Ellie asked.
You crushed the evil sorceress Gingema - Krak! crack! - like an empty eggshell; you are wearing her magic shoes; you are with an amazing beast, which we have never seen, and, according to the stories of our friends, he is also gifted with magical powers ...
Ellie could not object to this and went after the old man, whose name was Prem Caucus. She was greeted like a queen, and bells rang incessantly, and there were endless dances, and a great many cakes were eaten and countless refreshments were drunk, and the whole evening was so cheerful and pleasant that Ellie remembered about her father and mother, just falling asleep in bed.
In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, she asked Kokus:
How far is the Emerald City from here?
I don’t know, ”the old man replied thoughtfully. - I've never been there. Better to stay away from Great Goodwin, especially if you have no important business with him. And the road to the Emerald City is long and difficult. You will have to cross dark forests and cross fast deep rivers.
Ellie was a little upset, but she knew that only Great Goodwin would return her to Kansas, and so she said goodbye to her friends and set off again along the road paved with yellow bricks.
Scarecrow
Ellie had been walking for several hours and was tired. She sat down to rest by the blue hedge, behind which was a field of ripe wheat.
There was a long pole near the fence with a straw stuffed animal on it - to drive away the birds. The head of the stuffed animal was made from a bag full of straw, with eyes and a mouth painted on it, so that it turned out to be a funny human face. The scarecrow was dressed in a shabby blue caftan; here and there straw protruded from the holes of the caftan. On his head was an old, worn hat, from which bells had been cut off, on his feet - old blue boots, which were worn by men in this country.
The scarecrow had a funny and at the same time good-natured look.
Ellie carefully examined the funny painted face of the stuffed animal and was surprised to see that it suddenly winked at her with its right eye. She decided that it was her imagination: after all, scarecrows never flash in Kansas. But the figure nodded its head in the most friendly manner.
Ellie was frightened, and the brave Totoshka, barking, pounced on the hedge, behind which was a pole with a stuffed animal.
Goodnight! - said the scarecrow in a slightly hoarse voice.
You can speak? - Ellie was surprised.
Not very good, the scarecrow admitted. - I also confuse some words, because they made me so recently. How are you?
OK, thank you! Tell me, do you have a cherished desire?
I have? Oh, I have a whole bunch of wishes! - And the scarecrow quickly began to list: - Firstly, I need silver bells for my hat, secondly, I need new boots, and thirdly ...
Oh, enough, enough! Ellie interrupted. - Which of them is the most cherished?
The most, the most? - The scarecrow thought. - To put me on a stake!
Yes, you are already sitting on a stake, - Ellie laughed.
But in fact, - agreed the scarecrow. - You see what a traveler I am ... that is, no, confusion. So I need to be removed. It's very boring to hang around here day and night and scare the nasty crows, which, by the way, are not at all afraid of me.
Ellie tilted the stake and grabbed the stuffed animal with both hands and pulled it off.
Extremely conscious ... that is, grateful, - the scarecrow puffed out, finding himself on the ground. - I feel like a completely new person. If only I could get some silver bells for my hat and new boots!
The scarecrow carefully straightened the caftan, shook off the straws and, shuffling its foot on the ground, introduced itself to the girl:
Scarecrow!
What are you saying? - Ellie did not understand.
I say: Scarecrow. This is what they called me: after all, I have to frighten the crows. And what's your name?
Beautiful name! - said the Scarecrow.
Ellie looked at him in surprise. She could not understand how a scarecrow stuffed with straw and with a painted face walked and talked.
But then Totoshka was indignant and exclaimed indignantly:
Why don't you greet me?
Ah, guilty, guilty, - the Scarecrow apologized and firmly shook the dog's paw. - I have the honor to introduce myself: Scarecrow!
Very nice! And I'm Toto! But close friends are allowed to call me Totoshka!
Oh, Scarecrow, how glad I am that I have fulfilled your most cherished desire! - said Ellie.
Sorry, Ellie, - Scared again shuffled his foot, - but I, it turns out, was mistaken. My most cherished desire is to get brains!
Well, yes, brains. Very good ... sorry, it's unpleasant when your head is full of straw ...
How are you not ashamed to deceive? Ellie asked reproachfully.
What does it mean to deceive? I was made only yesterday and I don't know anything ...
How did you know that you have straw in your head, and people have brains?
One crow told me this when I quarreled with her. It was, you see, Ellie. This morning, a large, disheveled crow was flying near me and not so much pecking at the wheat as beating the grains out of it onto the ground. Then she cheekily sat on my shoulder and pecked me on the cheek. “Kaggi-karr!” The crow screamed mockingly. “That's a stuffed animal!
You know, Ellie, I laughed terribly ... that is, I got angry, and tried my best to speak. And what was my joy when I succeeded. But, of course, at first it didn’t come out very smoothly.
"Psh ... psh ... go away, ugly! - I shouted. - Ns ... ns ... Don't you dare peck me! I'm prt ... shrt ... I'm terrible!" I even managed to deftly throw the crow off my shoulder, grabbing its wing with my hand.
The crow, however, was not at all embarrassed and began to peck at the ears insolently in front of me.
“Eka, surprised!” She said. “I don’t know for sure that even a scarecrow can speak to Goodwin’s country if he wants to! But I’m not afraid of you anyway! You won’t get off the pole!”
"Pshsh ... pshsh ... Pshsh! Oh, I, unfortunate," I almost burst out laughing ... sorry, I sobbed. the ones you need ".
For all its insolence, that crow was, apparently, a kind bird, continued the Scarecrow. “She felt sorry for me.
“Don't you be so sad!” She said to me hoarsely. “If you had brains in your head, you would be like all people! Brains are the only one worthwhile thing the crow ... And the man! "
That's how I learned that people have brains, but I don't. I'm sad ... that is, merrily, I shouted: "Hey-gay-gay-go! Long live the brains! I will definitely get them for myself! .." But the crow is a very capricious bird, and it immediately cooled my joy.
"Kaggi-karr! ..." she laughed. "If there are no brains, it won't be! Karr-karr! .." "And she flew away, and soon you and Totoshka came," the Scarecrow finished his story. - Now, Ellie, tell me: can you give me brains?
No, what are you! This can only be done by Goodwin in the Emerald City. I'm just going to him to ask him to return me to Kansas, to my dad and mom.
Where is the Emerald City, and who is Goodwin?
Do not you know?
No, the Scarecrow answered sadly. - I know nothing. You see, I am full of straw, and I have no brains at all.
Oh, how I feel sorry for you! - the girl sighed.
Thanks! And if I go with you to the Emerald City, Goodwin will definitely give me brains?
Do not know. But if the great Goodwin does not give you brains, it will not be worse than now.
That's right, said the Scarecrow. “You see,” he continued trustingly, “you cannot injure me, since I’m stuffed with straw. You can pierce me with a needle and it won't hurt. But I don’t want people to call me a fool, but can you learn something without brains?
Poor! - said Ellie. - Go with us! I'll ask Goodwin to help you.
Hello! Oh thank you! - Corrected the Scarecrow and bowed again.
Indeed, for a scarecrow who lived only one day in the world, he was surprisingly polite.
The girl helped the Scarecrow to take the first two steps, and together they went to the Emerald City along the road paved with yellow bricks.
At first, Totoshka did not like the new companion. He ran around the stuffed animal and sniffed at it, believing that there was a mouse's nest in the straw inside the caftan.
He barked unfriendly at the Scarecrow and pretended to want to bite him.
Don't be afraid of Totoshka, - said Ellie. - He won't bite.
I'm not afraid! How can you bite the straw? Let me carry your basket. It's not difficult for me - I can't get tired. I'll tell you a secret, - he whispered in the girl's ear in his hoarse voice, - there is only one thing in the world that I am afraid of.
O! Ellie exclaimed. - What is it? Mouse?
Not! Burning match!
After a few hours, the road became rough; The scarecrow often stumbled. There were holes. Toto jumped over them, and Ellie walked around. But the Scarecrow walked straight, fell and stretched out to its full length. He didn't hurt himself. Ellie took his hand, lifted him, and the Scarecrow walked on, laughing at his awkwardness.
Then Ellie picked up a thick branch by the side of the road and offered it to the Scarecrow instead of a cane. Then things went better, and the Scarecrow's gait became firmer.
Little houses came across less and less, fruit trees completely disappeared. The country became deserted and gloomy.
The travelers sat down by the brook. Ellie took out some bread and offered a piece to the Scarecrow, but he politely declined.
I never want to eat. And this is very convenient for me.
Ellie did not insist and gave the piece to Totoshka; the doggie eagerly swallowed it and stood on its hind legs, asking for more.
Tell me about yourself, Ellie, about your country, - asked the Scarecrow.
Ellie talked for a long time about the wide Kansas steppe, where in summer everything is so gray and dusty and everything is completely different from that in this amazing country of Goodwin.
The scarecrow listened attentively.
I don't understand why you want to go back to your dry and dusty Kansas.
Because you don’t understand that you don’t have brains, ”the girl answered hotly. - It's always better at home!
The scarecrow smiled slyly.
The straw with which I was stuffed grew in the field, the caftan was made by the tailor, the boots were sewn by the shoemaker. Where is my home? In the field, at the tailor's or at the shoemaker's?
Ellie was confused and did not know what to answer.
We sat in silence for several minutes.
Maybe now you can tell me something? the girl asked.
The scarecrow looked at her reproachfully.
My life is so short that I know nothing. After all, I was made only yesterday, and I have no idea what happened before in the world. Fortunately, when the owner did me, he first of all painted my ears, and I could hear what was happening around. Another Munchkin was visiting the owner, and the first thing I heard were his words: "But the ears are great!"
"Nothing! Just right!" - answered the owner and drew my right eye.
And I began to look with curiosity at everything that was going on around me, because - you know - I was looking at the world for the first time.
"A suitable peephole! - said the guest. - He did not regret the blue paint!"
"It seems to me that the other came out a little more," said the owner, having finished painting my other eye.
Then he made me a nose out of a patch and drew a mouth, but I still couldn’t speak, because I didn’t know why I had a mouth. The owner put on me his old suit and hat, from which the children used to cut bells. I was terribly proud. I thought I looked like real man.
"This guy will scare the crows wonderfully," said the farmer.
"You know what? Call him Scarecrow!" - the guest advised, and the owner agreed.
The farmer's children shouted cheerfully, "Scarecrow! Scarecrow! Scare the crows!"
They carried me to the field, pierced me with a pole and left me alone. It was boring to hang, but I could not get off. Yesterday the birds were still afraid of me, but today they got used to it. It was then that I met a good raven who told me about brains. It would be nice if Goodwin gave them to me ...
I think he'll help you, ”Ellie encouraged him.
Yes Yes! It is uncomfortable to feel like a fool when even the crows laugh at you.
Let's go! - said Ellie, got up and handed the Scarecrow a basket.
Towards evening, the travelers entered a large forest. The branches of the trees descended low and blocked the road, paved with yellow bricks. The sun went down and it became completely dark.
If you see a house where you can spend the night, tell me, - asked Ellie in a sleepy voice. - It is very uncomfortable and scary to walk in the dark.
Soon the Scarecrow stopped.
I see a small hut on my right. Let's go there?
Yes Yes! - answered Ellie. - I am so tired!..
They turned off the road and soon reached the hut. Ellie found a bed of moss and dry grass in the corner and immediately fell asleep, hugging Toto. And the Scarecrow sat on the threshold, protecting the peace of the inhabitants of the hut.
It turned out that the Scarecrow was not in vain. At night, some animal with white stripes on its back and on a black pig's face tried to enter the hut. Most likely, he was attracted by the smell of food from Ellie's basket, but the Scarecrow thought that Ellie was in great danger. He, hiding, let the enemy close to the door (this enemy was a young badger, about which the Scarecrow, of course, did not know). And when the badger had already stuck his curious nose through the door, sniffing at the seductive scent, the Scarecrow lashed him with a twig on his greasy back. The badger howled, rushed into the thicket of the forest, and for a long time his offended squeal was heard from behind the trees ...
The rest of the night passed calmly: the forest animals realized that the hut had a reliable protector. And the Scarecrow, who never got tired and never wanted to sleep, sat on the threshold, stared into the darkness and patiently waited for the morning.
Rescuing the Tin Woodman
Ellie woke up. The scarecrow sat on the doorstep, and Toto chased squirrels in the forest.
We must look for water, - said the girl.
Why do you need water?
Wash and drink. The dry lump does not go down the throat.
Ugh, how inconvenient it is to be made of meat and bones! - said the Scarecrow thoughtfully. - You must sleep, eat, and drink. However, you have brains, and for them you can endure all this heap of inconveniences.
They found a trickle, and Ellie and Totoshka had breakfast. There was still some bread left in the basket. Ellie was about to go to the road, when suddenly she heard a groan in the forest.
What's this? she asked fearfully.
I have no idea, - answered the Scarecrow. - Let's go and see.
The groan came again. They began to make their way through the thicket. Soon they saw a figure among the trees. Ellie ran up and stopped with a cry of amazement.
A man made entirely of iron stood by a chopped tree with an ax held high in his hands. His head, arms and legs were attached to an iron body by hinges; instead of a cap, there was a copper funnel on his head, and an iron tie around his neck. The man stood motionless, with wide eyes.
Toto, with a furious bark, tried to bite the stranger's leg and jumped back with a squeal: he almost broke his teeth.
What a disgrace, av-av-av! he complained. - Is it possible to substitute iron legs for a decent dog? ..
Is it a forest scarecrow? - Guessed the Scarecrow. “I just don’t understand what it is guarding here?”
Was that you moaning? Ellie asked.
Yes ... - answered the iron man. - For a whole year no one comes to help me ...
What should be done? - asked Ellie, moved by the plaintive voice of the stranger.
My joints are rusted and I cannot move. But if you lubricate me, I'll be as good as new. You will find an oil can in my hut on a shelf.
Ellie and Totoshka fled, and the Scarecrow walked around the Tin Woodman and examined him with curiosity.
Tell me, friend, - asked the Scarecrow, - is a year long?
Still would! A year is a long, very long time! It's three hundred and sixty-five days! ..
Three hundred ... sixty ... five ... - repeated the Scarecrow. - Is it more than three?
How stupid you are! - answered the Woodman. - You, apparently, do not know how to count at all!
You are wrong! - the Scarecrow proudly objected. - I am very good at counting! - And he began to count, bending his fingers: - The owner made me - once! I had a fight with a crow - two! Ellie took me off the stake - three! And nothing else happened to me, so there is no need to count any further!
The Tin Woodman was so surprised that he could not even argue. At this time, Ellie brought an oil can.
Where to lubricate? she asked.
The neck first, ”the Tin Woodman replied.
And Ellie smeared her neck, but it was so rusty that the Scarecrow had to turn the Lumberjack's head left and right for a long time, until the neck stopped creaking ...
Now, please, hands!
And Ellie began to lubricate the joints of her hands, and the Scarecrow carefully raised and lowered the Lumberjack's hands until they were really like new. Then the Tin Woodman took a deep breath and threw down the ax.
Wow, how good! - he said. “I lifted the ax up before rusting, and I'm very glad I can get rid of it. Well, now give me an oil can, I will grease my feet, and everything will be all right.
Having lubricated his legs so that he could move them freely, the Tin Woodman thanked Ellie many times because he was very polite.
I would stand here until I turned to iron dust. You saved my life. Who you are?
I'm Ellie, and these are my friends ...
Scarecrow! I'm full of straw!
It’s not hard to guess from your conversations, ”said the Tin Woodman. - But how did you get here?
We go to the Emerald City to see the Great Wizard Goodwin and spent the night in your hut.
Why are you going to Goodwin?
I want Goodwin to bring me back to Kansas, to my dad and mom, ”said Ellie.
And I want to ask him for a little brains for my straw head, - said the Scarecrow.
And I go simply because I love Ellie, and because it is my duty to protect her from enemies! - said Totoshka.
The Tin Woodman thought deeply.
Do you think Goodwin can give me a heart?
I think it can, - said Ellie. “It's no more difficult for him than giving the Scarecrow the brains.
So, if you accept me as a company, I will go with you to the Emerald City and ask Great Goodwin to give me a heart. After all, having a heart is my most cherished desire!
Ellie exclaimed happily:
Oh, my friends, how glad I am! Now there are two of you, and you have two cherished desires!
Let's sail ... that is, let's go with us, '' the Scarecrow agreed good-naturedly ...
The Tin Woodman asked Ellie to fill the butter can up to the top with oil and put it on the bottom of the basket.
I can get caught in the rain and rust, - he said, - and without an oil can I will be bad ...
Then he raised the ax, and they walked through the forest to the road paved with yellow bricks.
It was great happiness for Ellie and the Scarecrow to find such a companion as the Tin Woodman, strong and dexterous.
When the Lumberjack noticed that the Scarecrow was leaning on a gnarled, gnarled club, he immediately cut a straight branch from the tree and made a comfortable strong cane for his comrade.
Soon the travelers came to a place where the road was overgrown with bushes and became impassable. But the Tin Woodman earned money with his huge ax and quickly cleared the way.
Ellie walked in thought and did not notice how the Scarecrow fell into the pit. He had to call friends for help.
Why didn't you go around? the Tin Woodman asked.
Do not know! - the Scarecrow answered sincerely. “You see, my head is full of straw, and I'm going to Goodwin's to ask for some brains.
So! - said the Woodcutter. - In any case, brains are not the best in the world.
Here's another! - the Scarecrow was surprised. - Why do you think so?
I used to have brains, ”explained the Tin Woodman. “But now, when I have to choose between the brain and the heart, I prefer the heart.
And why? the Scarecrow asked.
Listen to my story, and then you will understand everything.
And as they walked, the Tin Woodman told them his story:
I am a woodcutter. As an adult, I decided to get married. I fell in love with all my heart one pretty girl, and then I was still made of meat and bones, like all people. But the evil aunt with whom the girl lived did not want to part with her, because the girl worked for her. My aunt went to the sorceress Gingema and promised her to pick up a whole basket of the fattest leeches if she upset the wedding ...
The evil Gingema is slain! - the Scarecrow interrupted.
Ellie! She flew in on the Killing Lodge and - krak! crack! - sat on the sorceress's head.
It is a pity that this did not happen earlier! - sighed the Tin Woodman and continued: - Gingema enchanted my ax, he bounced off the tree and chopped off my left leg. I was very sad because without a leg I could not be a woodcutter. I went to the blacksmith and he made me a beautiful iron leg. Gingema again enchanted my ax, and he chopped off my right leg. I went to the blacksmith again. The girl still loved me and did not refuse to marry me. "We'll save a lot on boots and trousers!" she said to me. However, the evil sorceress did not calm down: after all, she really wanted to get a whole basket of leeches. I lost my hands, and the blacksmith made me iron ones. When the ax chopped off my head, I thought I was finished. But the blacksmith found out about it and made me an excellent iron head. I continued to work, and the girl and I still loved each other ...
You, therefore, were made in pieces, - the Scarecrow thoughtfully remarked. - And my master made me at once ...
The worst is yet to come, ”the Woodman continued sadly. - The insidious Gingema, seeing that nothing comes of it, decided to finally finish me off. She once again cast a spell on the ax, and it cut my torso in half. But, fortunately, the blacksmith found out about this again, made an iron torso and attached my head, arms and legs to it on hinges. But - alas! - I no longer had a heart: the blacksmith was unable to insert it. And I thought that I, a man without a heart, have no right to love a girl. I returned her word to my bride and declared that she was free from her promise. The strange girl for some reason was not at all happy about this, she said that she loved me, as before, and would wait for me to change my mind. What is wrong with her now, I do not know - after all, I have not seen her for over a year ...
The Tin Woodman sighed, and tears rolled from his eyes.
Careful! - Scarecrow cried in fright and wiped his tears with a blue handkerchief. - After all, you will rust with tears!
Thank you my friend! - said the Lumberjack, - I forgot that I shouldn't cry. Water is harmful to me in all forms ... So, I was proud of my new, iron body and was no longer afraid of the enchanted ax. I was only afraid of rust, but I always carried an oil can with me. Only once did I forget her, got caught in a downpour and was so rusty that I could not budge until you rescued me. I am sure that the insidious Gingema brought down this downpour on me ... Oh, how awful it is to stand in the forest for a whole year and think that you have no heart!
Only sticking out on a stake in the middle of a wheat field can compare with this, ”the Scarecrow interrupted him. - But, really, people walked past me, and you could talk to the crows ...
When I was loved, I was the happiest person, ”the Tin Woodman continued, sighing. “If Goodwin gives me a heart, I will return to Munchkin Country and marry a girl. Maybe she is still waiting for me ...
And I, - said the Scarecrow stubbornly, - still prefer brains: after all, when there are no brains, then the heart is useless.
Well, I need a heart! protested the Tin Woodman. - Brains do not make a person happy, and happiness is the best thing on earth.
Ellie was silent, as she did not know which of her new friends was right.
Ellie held captive by the Ogre
The forest grew deeper. The branches of the trees, intertwining at the top, did not let the sun's rays through. The road, paved with yellow bricks, was half dark.
We walked until late in the evening. Ellie was very tired and the Tin Woodman took her in his arms. The scarecrow trailed behind, bending under the weight of the ax.
Finally we stopped for the night. The Tin Woodman made a cozy hut out of the branches for Ellie. He and the Scarecrow sat all night at the entrance to the hut, listening to the girl's breathing and guarding her sleep.
New friends chatted quietly. The conversation was good for the Scarecrow. Although he did not have a brain yet, he turned out to be very capable, he remembered new words well and with every hour he made fewer mistakes in conversation.
In the morning we set off again. The road became more fun: the trees again receded to the sides, and the sun shone brightly on the yellow bricks.
Apparently, someone looked after the road here: twigs and branches, knocked down by the wind, were collected and neatly folded along the edges of the road.
The area looked so peaceful and welcoming, the yellow bricks were so warm in the sun that Ellie wanted to walk on them barefoot. The girl took off her silver shoes, brushed off the road dust and hid them in a bag, carefully wrapping them in a large leaf of burdock.
Ellie walked merrily over the warm bricks and looked ahead. Suddenly she noticed a high post at the edge of the road and on it a board with the inscription:
Traveler, hurry!
Around the bend in the road will be fulfilled
all your desires!
Ellie read the inscription and was surprised:
What's this? Am I going straight from here to Kansas, to my mom and dad?
And I, - took Totochka, - will beat the neighbor Hector, this braggart who assures that he is stronger than me!
Ellie was delighted, forgot about everything in the world and rushed forward. Toto ran after her with a cheerful bark.
The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow, carried away by the same interesting dispute, which is better - heart or brains, did not notice that Ellie had run away, and walked peacefully along the road. Suddenly they heard the girl's scream and Totoshka's angry barking. Friends rushed to the scene and managed to notice how something shaggy and dark flashed among the trees and disappeared into the thicket of the forest. In the middle of the road, Ellina's bag lay lonely, and in it were silver shoes, so unwisely taken off by the girl. Near the tree lay an insensitive Totoshka, streams of blood flowing from his nostrils.
What happened? the Scarecrow asked sadly. “Ellie must have been carried away by a beast of prey.
The Tin Woodman did not say anything: he looked ahead keenly and brandished a huge ax threateningly.
Queerr ... queerr ... - Suddenly there was a mocking clink of Squirrels from the top of a tall tree. - What happened? .. Two big, strong men let the little girl go, and the Ogre took her away!
Cannibal? asked the Tin Woodman. - I have not heard that the Cannibal lives in this forest.
Queerr ... queerr ... every ant in the forest knows about him. Eh, you! Couldn't look after the little girl! Only the black animal boldly stood up for her and bit the Ogre, but he grabbed him with his huge leg so that he would probably die ...
The squirrel showered friends with such ridicule that they felt ashamed.
We must save Ellie! cried the Scarecrow.
Yes Yes! said the Tin Woodman hotly. “Ellie saved us, and we must take her away from the Ogre. Otherwise, I will die of grief ... - and tears rolled down the Tin Woodman's cheeks.
What are you doing! - Scarecrow shouted in fright, wiping his tears with a handkerchief. - You're going to rust! Ellie has a butter dish!
If you want to help out a little girl, I will show you where the Ogre lives, although I am very afraid, - said Belka.
The Tin Woodman laid Toto down on the soft moss next to Ellie's bag and said:
If we manage to return, we will take care of him ... - And he turned to Belka: - Lead us!
The squirrel jumped up the trees, the friends hurried after her. As they entered the depths of the forest, a gray wall appeared.
The Ogre's castle stood on a hill. It was surrounded by a high wall that a cat would not have climbed. In front of the wall was a moat filled with water. Pulling Ellie off, the Ogre lifted the drawbridge and bolted the cast-iron gate with two bolts.
The cannibal lived alone. Before he had rams, cows and horses, and he kept many servants. In those days, travelers often passed by the castle to the Emerald City, the Ogre attacked and ate them. Then the Munchkins learned about the Ogre, and traffic on the road stopped.
The ogre began to ravage the castle: first he ate the rams, cows and horses, then he got to the servants and ate everyone, one by one. In recent years, the Ogre was hiding in the forest, catching an unwary rabbit or hare and eating it with skin and bones.
The cannibal was terribly delighted to catch Ellie, and decided to make himself a real feast. He dragged the girl into the castle, tied it up and laid it on the kitchen table, while he himself began to sharpen a large knife.
"Blade ... blade ..." - the knife rang.
And the Ogre was saying:
Ba-ha-ra! The noble has got the prey! Now I will eat my fill, bah-ha-ra!
The ogre was so pleased that he even talked to Ellie:
Ba-ha-ra! And cleverly I thought of hanging a board with the inscription! Do you think I will really grant your wishes? No matter how it is! I did this on purpose, to lure simpletons like you! Bah-gar-ra!
Ellie cried and asked the Ogre for mercy, but he did not listen to her and continued to sharpen the knife.
"Blade ... blade ... blade ..."
And so the Ogre raised a knife over the girl. She closed her eyes in horror. However, the Ogre dropped his hand and yawned.
Ba-ha-ra! I'm tired of sharpening this big knife! I'll go and rest for an hour or two. After sleep and food is more pleasant.
The ogre went into the bedroom, and soon his snoring was heard throughout the castle and was even heard in the forest.
The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow stood in bewilderment in front of the moat filled with water.
I would swim across the water, - said the Scarecrow, - but the water will wash away my eyes, ears and mouth and I will become blind, deaf and dumb.
I'll drown, ”said the Tin Woodman. - I'm very heavy. Even if I get out of the water, I will rust right now, but there is no oil can.
So they stood, thinking, and suddenly they heard the Ogre snoring.
We must save Ellie while he sleeps, ”said the Tin Woodman. - Wait, I have an idea! We will now cross the moat.
He cut down a tall tree with a fork at the top, and it fell on the castle wall and lay firmly on it.
Get in! he said to the Scarecrow. - You are lighter than me.
The scarecrow approached the bridge, but got scared and backed away. The squirrel could not bear it and in one fell swoop ran up the tree to the wall.
Queerr ... queerr ... Oh, you coward! she shouted to the Scarecrow. - Look how easy it is! - But, looking out the window of the castle, she even gasped with excitement. - The girl lies tied up on the kitchen table ... There is a large knife next to her ... the girl is crying ... I see tears rolling from her eyes ...
Hearing such news, the Scarecrow forgot the danger and flew up the wall almost faster than Belka.
Oh! - he could only say when he saw Ellie's pale face through the kitchen window, and fell into the courtyard like a sack.
Before he got up, Squirrel jumped onto his back, ran across the courtyard, ducked through the bars of the window and began to gnaw at the rope with which Ellie was tied.
The Scarecrow opened the heavy bolts of the gate, lowered the drawbridge, and the Tin Woodman walked into the courtyard, fiercely rolling his eyes and belligerently swinging a huge ax.
He did all this to frighten the Ogre if he woke up and went out into the yard.
Here! Here! - Squirrel squeaked from the kitchen, and friends rushed to her call.
The Tin Woodman put the point of the ax into the gap between the door and the jamb, pressed, and - fuck! - the door flew off its hinges. Ellie jumped off the table, and all four - Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Ellie and Squirrel - ran into the forest.
The Tin Woodman in his haste stamped his feet on the stone slabs of the courtyard that he woke the Ogre. The cannibal jumped out of the bedroom, saw that the girl was not there, and set off in pursuit.
The ogre was short, but very fat. His head was like a cauldron, and his body was like a barrel. He had long arms like a gorilla, and his legs were shod in high boots with thick soles. He wore a shaggy cloak of animal skins. Instead of a helmet, the Ogre put a large copper saucepan on his head, the handle back, and armed himself with a huge club with a bump at the end, studded with sharp nails.
He growled with anger, and his boots rumbled: "Top-top-top ..." And sharp teeth chattered: "Klats-klats-klats ..."
Bah-gar-ra! You will not leave, scammers! ..
The cannibal quickly caught up with the fugitives. Seeing that there was no escape from the chase, the Tin Woodman leaned the frightened Ellie against a tree and prepared for battle. The scarecrow fell behind: his legs clung to the roots, and with his chest he touched the branches of the trees. The ogre caught up with the Scarecrow, and he suddenly threw himself at his feet. The Ogre, who did not expect this, flipped over the Scarecrow.
Bah-gar-ra! What kind of scarecrow is this?
Before the cannibal had time to recover, the Tin Woodman jumped up behind him, lifted a huge sharp ax and hacked the Cannibal in half along with the pan.
Queerr ... queerr ... Nicely done! - Belka admired and galloped through the trees, telling the whole forest about the death of the fierce Cannibal.
Very witty! - praised the Tin Woodman to the Scarecrow. “You couldn't have dumped the Ogre better if you had brains!
My dear friends, thank you for your dedication! - Ellie exclaimed with tears in her eyes.
Sa-mo-ver-femininity ... - the Scarecrow repeated with admiration in the warehouses. - Wow, what a good, long word, I have never heard of such. Isn't that the same thing that happens in the brain?
No, there is a mind in the brain, - explained the girl.
This means that I have no mind yet, but only self-denial. It's a pity! - the Scarecrow was upset.
Do not grieve, said the Woodman. - Selflessness is also good, this is when a person does not spare himself for others. Does your wound hurt?
What is there, just beauty! That is, I wanted to say nonsense. How can straw hurt? But I'm afraid that my contents will crawl out of me.
Ellie took out a needle and thread and began to sew up the holes. At this time, a quiet screeching was heard from the forest. The brave little dog came to his senses from insensibility, but did not want to leave the bag of his little mistress and called for help. The Tin Woodman brought a dog and a bag of shoes.
As she put her shoes on, Ellie said:
This is a good lesson for me. There was no need to take off your shoes. After all, the Munchkins told me that they contained some kind of magical power. But now I will even sleep in them! - the girl decided.
Ellie took the exhausted Totoshka in her arms, and the travelers went through the forest. Soon they made their way to the yellow brick road and walked briskly towards the Emerald City.
Meeting the Cowardly Lion
That night, Ellie slept in a hollow, on a soft bed of moss and leaves. Her sleep was disturbing: it seemed to her that she was lying tied up and that the Ogre was raising his hand over her with a huge knife. The girl screamed and woke up.
In the morning we set off. The forest was gloomy. Beasts roared from behind the trees. Ellie shuddered with fear, and Toto, tucking his tail, pressed against the feet of the Tin Woodman: he began to respect him very much after defeating the Ogre.
The travelers walked, quietly talking about yesterday's events, and rejoiced at Ellie's salvation. The woodcutter never stopped praising the Scarecrow's resourcefulness.
How cleverly you threw yourself at the feet of the Ogre, friend of the Scarecrow! - he said. - Have your brains started up in your head?
No, straw ... - answered the Scarecrow, feeling his head.
This peaceful conversation was interrupted by a thunderous growl, and a huge lion jumped out onto the road. With one blow, he threw the Scarecrow into the air; he flew head over heels and fell at the edge of the road, spreading like a rag.
The lion hit the Tin Woodman with his paw, but the claws creaked on the iron, and the Lumberjack sat down from the push, and the funnel flew off his head.
Tiny Totoshka boldly rushed to the enemy.
The huge beast opened its mouth to swallow the dog, but Ellie boldly ran forward and blocked Toto with herself.
Stop! Don't you dare touch Toto! she screamed angrily.
The lion froze in surprise.
Sorry, - he justified. - But I didn't eat it ...
However, you tried. Shame on you to offend the weak! You're just a coward!
Ah ... how did you know that I was a coward? - asked the stunned Leo. - Did anyone tell you? ..
I myself can see by your actions!
Surprising ... - Lev said confusedly. - As much as I do not try to hide my cowardice, but the matter still comes out. I've always been a coward, but there is nothing I can do about it.
Just think: you hit the poor Scarecrow stuffed with straw!
Is it stuffed with straw? - asked Leo, looking at the Scarecrow in surprise.
Of course, ”Ellie replied, still angry with Leo.
I understand now why he is so soft and so light, - said Lev. - And the second one is also stuffed?
No, it's made of iron.
Aha! No wonder I almost broke my claws on him. And what is this little animal that you love so much?
This is my dog Totoshka.
Is it iron or stuffed with straw?
Neither one nor the other. This is a real dog, made of meat and bones!
Tell me how small she is, and how brave she is! - Leo was amazed.
All dogs in Kansas are like that! - Totoshka said with pride.
Funny animal! - said Lev. - Only a coward like me could attack such a baby ...
Why are you a coward? - asked Ellie, looking in surprise at the huge Lion.
So he was born. Of course, everyone considers me to be brave: after all, Leo is the king of beasts! When I roar - and I roar very loudly, you heard - animals and people run out of my way. But if a tiger attacked me, I would be scared, honestly! It's good that no one knows what a coward I am, '' said Leo, wiping his tears with the fluffy tip of his tail. - I am very ashamed, but I cannot remake myself.
Maybe you have heart disease? - asked the Lumberjack.
Perhaps, the Cowardly Lion agreed.
Happy! And I just can't have a heart disease: I don't have a heart.
If I didn’t have a heart, ”Leo said thoughtfully,“ maybe I would not be a coward.
Please tell me, do you ever fight other Lions? - Totoshka asked.
Where can I ... I'm running from them, like the plague, - confessed Lev.
Ugh! the doggie snorted derisively. - Where are you fit after that!
Do you have brains? - asked Leo the Scarecrow.
There probably is. I've never seen them.
My head is full of straw, and I'm going to Great Goodwin to ask for a little brains, ”said the Scarecrow.
And I'm going to him for my heart, - said the Tin Woodman.
And I go to him to ask him to return Toto and me to Kansas ...
Where I will settle scores with the neighbor's puppy, the braggart Hector, - added the doggie.
Is Goodwin so powerful? - Leo was surprised.
It costs him nothing, ”Ellie said.
In that case, won't he give me courage?
It's as easy for him as giving me brains, ”the Scarecrow assured.
Or my heart, ”added the Tin Woodman.
Or bring me back to Kansas, ”Ellie finished.
Then take me to the company, - said the Cowardly Lion. - Ah, if I could get even a little courage ... After all, this is my cherished desire!
I'm very glad! - said Ellie. - This is the third wish, and if all three are fulfilled, Goodwin will return me to my homeland. Come with us ...
And be a good friend to us, - said the Woodman. - You will drive away other animals from Ellie. They must be even more cowardly than you, since they are fleeing from one of your roars.
They are cowards, ”Leo grumbled. - Yes, I do not become braver from this.
The travelers moved on along the road, and the Lion walked with a dignified step beside Ellie. Totoshka did not like this companion at first. He remembered how the Lion wanted to swallow him. But soon he got used to Leo, and they became great friends.
Saber-toothed tigers
That evening they walked for a long time and stopped to spend the night under a spreading tree. The Tin Woodman chopped wood and lit a large fire, near which Ellie felt very comfortable. She and her friends were invited to share this pleasure, but the Scarecrow resolutely refused, walked away from the fire and watched carefully so that not a single spark would fall on his costume.
My straw and fire are things that cannot be neighbors, ”he explained.
The cowardly Lion also did not want to approach the fire.
We, wild animals, are not very fond of fire, - said Lev. - Now that I'm in your company, Ellie, I may get used to it, but now he still scares me too much ...
Only Toto, not afraid of fire, was lying on Ellie's lap, screwing up his small shiny eyes at the fire and enjoying its warmth. Ellie, like a brother, shared the last piece of bread with Totoshka.
What am I going to eat now? she asked, carefully picking up the crumbs.
Do you want me to catch a doe in the forest? - asked Lev. “True, you people taste bad, and you prefer fried meat to raw, but you can roast it on coals.
Oh, just don't kill anyone! the Tin Woodman pleaded. - I will cry so much for the poor doe that no oil will be enough to lubricate my face ...
Whatever, - the Lion muttered and went into the forest.
He did not return from there soon, lay down with a well-fed purr at a distance from the fire and fixed his yellow eyes with narrow slits of pupils at the flame.
Why Leo went to the forest, no one knew. He himself was silent, and the others did not ask.
The scarecrow also went into the forest, and he was lucky enough to find a tree on which nuts grew. He tore at them with his soft, naughty fingers. Nuts slipped out of his hands, and he had to pick them in the grass. It was dark in the forest, as in a cellar, and only the Scarecrow, who saw at night as during the day, did not cause any inconvenience. But when he picked up a handful of nuts, they suddenly fell out of his hands, and everything had to start all over again. Still, the Scarecrow was happy to collect nuts, being afraid to approach the fire. As soon as he saw that the fire was beginning to die out, he approached Ellie with a basket full of nuts, and the girl thanked him for his efforts.
In the morning, Ellie had breakfast with nuts. She and Totoshka offered nuts, but the dog turned his nose away from them with contempt: getting up early in the morning, he caught a fat mouse in the forest (fortunately, the Lumberjack did not see this).
Travelers again moved to the Emerald City. This day brought them many adventures. After about an hour, they stopped in front of a ravine that stretched through the forest to the right and left, as far as the eye could see.
The ravine was wide and deep. When Ellie crawled to its edge and looked down, she felt dizzy, and she involuntarily recoiled back. Sharp stones lay at the bottom of the abyss, and an invisible stream gurgled between them.
The walls of the ravine were sheer. The travelers stood sad, it seemed to them that the journey to Goodwin was over and they would have to go back. The scarecrow shook his head in bewilderment, the Tin Woodman grabbed his chest, and the Lion lowered his muzzle in frustration.
What to do? Ellie asked desperately.
I have no idea, ”the Tin Woodman answered sadly, and the Lion scratched his nose in bewilderment.
The scarecrow said:
Wow, what a big pit! We will not jump over it. Here we sit!
I would probably have jumped, - said the Lion, measuring the distance with his eyes.
So you will carry us over? - Guessed the Scarecrow.
I'll try, ”said Lev. - Who dares first?
I'll have to, ”said the Scarecrow. “If you fall, Ellie will be smashed to death, and the Tin Woodman will feel bad. And I will not hurt myself, be calm! ..
Am I afraid of falling myself or not? - Leo angrily interrupted the chattering Scarecrow. - Well, since there is nothing else left, I jump. Sit down!
The Scarecrow climbed onto his back, and the Lion cowered at the edge of the cleft, preparing to jump.
Why don't you run? Ellie asked.
This is not in our lion's habits. We jump from place.
He made a huge leap and jumped safely to the other side. Everyone was delighted, and the Lion, having kicked the Scarecrow, immediately jumped back.
Ellie sat next. Holding Toto in one hand, with the other she grabbed the hard mane of the Lion. Ellie flew up into the air, and it seemed to her that she was climbing the Killing House again, but before she could get scared, she was already on solid ground.
The Tin Woodman was the last to cross, nearly losing his funnel cap during the jump.
When Leo rested, the travelers moved further along the road paved with yellow bricks. Ellie guessed that the ravine appeared, probably from an earthquake, after the road to the Emerald City was built. Ellie has heard that earthquakes can cause cracks in the ground. True, her father did not tell her about such huge cracks, but after all, Goodwin's country was very special, and everything in it was not the same as in the rest of the world.
Beyond the ravine, on both sides of the road, an even gloomier forest stretched, and it became dark. A dull puffing and a lingering roar was heard from the thickets. The travelers became terrified, and Totoshka got completely entangled in the legs of the Lion, believing now that the Lion is stronger than the Tin Woodman. The cowardly Lion informed his companions that saber-toothed tigers live in this forest.
What are these animals? inquired the Tin Woodman.
These are terrible monsters, - Leo whispered timidly. “They are much larger than the common tigers found in other parts of the country. They have fangs protruding from the upper jaw like sabers. With such fangs these tigers can pierce me like a kitten ... I am terribly afraid of saber-toothed tigers ...
All at once became quiet and began to step more carefully on the yellow bricks. Ellie said in a whisper:
I read in a book that saber-toothed tigers were found in Kansas in ancient times, but then they all became extinct, but here, apparently, they still live ...
But they live, unfortunately, - answered the Cowardly Lion. - I saw one from afar, so I was sick with fear for three days ...
During these conversations, the travelers unexpectedly came to a new ravine, which turned out to be wider and deeper than the first. Looking at him, Leo refused to jump: this task was beyond his power. Everyone stood in silence, not knowing what to do. Suddenly the Scarecrow said:
There's a big tree at the edge. Let the Woodcutter chop it down so that it falls over the abyss, and we will have a bridge.
Cleverly thought up! - Leo admired. - You might think that you still have brains in your head.
No, - the Scarecrow replied modestly, feeling his head just in case, - I just remembered that this was done by the Tin Woodman when he and I saved Ellie from the Ogre.
With several powerful blows of an ax, the Tin Woodman chopped down a tree, then all the travelers, not excluding Totoshka, rested on the trunk, some with their hands, and some with their paws and forehead. The tree thundered and fell on its top on the other side of the moat.
Hooray! - everyone shouted at once.
But as soon as the travelers walked along the trunk, holding on to the branches, a prolonged howl was heard in the forest, and two ferocious animals ran up to the ravine with fangs sticking out of their mouths like sparkling white sabers.
Saber-toothed tigers ... - whispered the Lion, trembling like a leaf.
Calm! cried the Scarecrow. - Come on!
The lion, who brought up the rear, turned to the tigers and let out such a magnificent growl that Ellie almost fell into the abyss with fright. Even the monsters stopped and looked at the Lion, not understanding how such a small beast could roar so loudly.
This delay made it possible for the travelers to cross the ravine, and the Lion overtook them in three leaps. The saber-toothed tigers, seeing that their prey was slipping away, stepped onto the bridge. They walked along the tree, stopping now and then, quietly but menacingly growling and glistening with white fangs. Their appearance was so terrible that Leo said to Ellie:
We are lost! Run, I will try to stop these beasts. Wish I had time to get even a little courage from Goodwin! However, I will fight until I die.
Brilliant thoughts came to the straw head of the Scarecrow that day. Pushing the Lumberjack, he shouted:
Chop down the tree!
The Tin Woodman didn’t make himself ask for long. He inflicted such desperate blows with his huge ax that in two or three strokes he chopped off the tops of the tree, and the trunk fell with a crash into the abyss. Huge animals flew with him and crashed against the sharp stones at the bottom of the ravine.
Ffu! - said the Lion with a deep sigh of relief and solemnly gave the Scarecrow a paw. - Thank you! We'll live longer, otherwise I was completely done with life. Not a very pleasant thing to get on the teeth of such monsters! Can you hear my heart beating?
Oh! the Tin Woodman sighed sadly. - I wish my heart beat so!
Friends were in a hurry to leave the gloomy forest, from which other saber-toothed tigers could jump out. But Ellie was so tired and scared that she could not walk. The lion put her and Toto on his back, and the travelers quickly went forward. How glad they were to see soon that the trees were becoming thinner and thinner! The sun lit up the road with cheerful rays, and soon the travelers came to the bank of a wide and fast river.
Now you don't have to worry, ”Lev said happily. - Tigers never leave their forest: for some reason these animals are afraid of open space ...
Everyone breathed freely, but now they have a new concern.
How do we get across? - said Ellie, the Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion and Toto, and all at once looked at the Scarecrow, - everyone was already convinced that his mind and abilities are developing by leaps and bounds.
Flattered by the general attention, the Scarecrow assumed an important air and put his finger to his forehead. He didn’t think for very long.
After all, a river is not land, and land is not a river! - he said importantly. - You can't walk along the river, so ...
Means? - asked Ellie.
So the Tin Woodman must make a raft and we will cross the river!
You're so smart! - everyone exclaimed with delight.
No, I'm not smart yet, but only self-rejected, ”objected the Scarecrow. “When I get the brains out of Goodwin, then I’ll stop being self-rejected, and I’ll become smart.”
The woodcutter began to cut trees, and the strong Lion dragged them to the river. Ellie lay down on the grass to rest. The scarecrow, as usual, could not sit still. He walked along the river bank and found trees with ripe fruits. The travelers decided to arrange an overnight stay here. Ellie, having dined with delicious fruits, fell asleep under the protection of her faithful friends and in a dream she saw the amazing Emerald City and the Great Wizard Goodwin.
Crossing the river
The night passed calmly. In the morning the Tin Woodman finished the raft, cut down the poles for himself and the Scarecrow, and invited the travelers to sit down. Ellie with Totoshka in her arms settled down in the middle of the raft. The cowardly Lion stepped on the edge, the raft tilted, and Ellie screamed in fear. But the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow hurried to the other side, and the balance was restored.
The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow drove the raft across the river, beyond which a wonderful plain began, here and there covered with wonderful groves and all illuminated by the sun.
Everything went fine until the raft approached the middle of the river.
Here the fast current caught him and carried him down the river, and the poles did not reach the bottom. The travelers looked at each other in confusion.
Very bad! exclaimed the Tin Woodman. - The river will take us to the Purple Land and we will fall into slavery to the evil sorceress.
And then I won't get brains! - said the Scarecrow.
And I have courage! - said Lev.
And we will never go back to Kansas! - Ellie and Totoshka shouted.
No, we have to get to the Emerald City! - cried the Scarecrow and furiously leaned on the pole.
Unfortunately, there was a muddy bank in this place, and the pole stuck deeply into it. The Scarecrow did not have time to let go of the pole, but the raft was drifting with the current, and in a moment the Scarecrow was already hanging on the pole in the middle of the river, without support under his feet.
Hello! - the Scarecrow only managed to shout to his friends, but the raft was already far away.
The Scarecrow's position was desperate. “I’m worse here than before I met Ellie,” the poor man thought. “At least there I tried to scare the crows - it’s still an occupation. And who puts the scarecrows in the middle of the river?
Meanwhile, the raft flew downstream. The unfortunate Scarecrow was left far behind and disappeared around the bend of the river.
I'll have to get into the water, - said the Cowardly Lion, trembling all over. - Wow, how I am afraid of water! Now, if I had received courage from Goodwin, I would not care about water ... But nothing can be done, we must get to the shore. I will swim, and you hold on to my tail!
The lion swam, panting with exertion, and the Tin Woodman held on tightly to the tip of his tail. It was hard work - to drag the raft, but still the Lion slowly moved to the other side. Soon, Ellie was convinced that the pole reached the bottom, and began to help Leo. After much effort, the completely exhausted travelers finally reached the coast - far, far from the place where they had begun their crossing.
The lion immediately stretched out on the grass with its paws upward to dry its wet belly.
Where are we going? he asked, squinting in the sun.
Back to where our friend stayed, - said Ellie. - After all, we cannot leave here without rescuing our dear Scarecrow.
The travelers went along the bank against the current of the river. They wandered for a long time, hanging their heads and braiding their feet in the thick grass, and with sadness they thought about the comrade who remained in the middle of the river. Suddenly the Tin Woodman shouted with all his might:
Look!
And they saw the Scarecrow, bravely hanging on a pole in the middle of a wide and fast river. From a distance, the scarecrow looked so lonely, small and sad that the travelers had tears in their eyes. The Tin Woodman was the most excited. He was aimlessly running along the shore, risked for some reason to thrust himself into the water, but immediately ran back.
Then he pulled off the funnel, put it to his mouth like a megaphone, and shouted deafeningly:
Scarecrow! Dear friend! Hold on! Do me a favor, don't fall into the water!
The Tin Woodman knew how to ask very politely.
The answer flew faintly to the travelers:
I live! ... when ... e ... flock ...
It meant: "I'm holding on! I never get tired!"
Remembering that the Scarecrow really never got tired, the friends were very encouraged, and the Tin Woodman shouted again into his funnel-mouthpiece:
Do not lose hope! We will not leave here until we help you out!
And the wind brought the answer:
Doo! ... e ... nag ... a ... nya ...
And that meant: "I'm waiting! Don't worry about me!"
The Tin Woodman suggested weaving a long rope out of bark. Then he, the Lumberjack, will climb into the water and take off the Scarecrow, and the Lion will pull them out by the rope. But Leo shook his head mockingly:
You swim no better than an ax!
The Tin Woodman paused in embarrassment.
I must have to swim again, ”said Lev. - Only it will be difficult to calculate so that the current will bring me straight to the Scarecrow ...
And I will sit on your back and guide you! - suggested Totoshka.
While the travelers were judging and rowing, a long-legged, important Stork looked at them from afar with curiosity. Then he slowly walked over and stood at a safe distance, curling his right leg and squinting his left eye.
What kind of audience are you? - he asked.
I'm Ellie, and these are my friends - Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion and Toto. We are going to the Emerald City.
The road to the Emerald City is not here, - said the Stork.
We know her. But we were carried away by the river, and we lost a comrade.
And where he?
There he is, you see, - Ellie pointed, - hanging on a pole.
Why did he get there?
The stork was a detailed bird and wanted to know everything to the smallest detail. Ellie told how the Scarecrow ended up in the middle of the river.
Oh, if you only saved him! - Ellie cried and folded her hands imploringly. - How grateful we would be to you!
I'll think about it, - said the Stork importantly and closed his right eye, because when storks think, they must close their right eye. But he closed his left eye even earlier.
And so he stood with closed eyes on his left leg and swayed, and the Scarecrow hung on a pole in the middle of the river and also swayed in the wind. The travelers got tired of waiting, and the Tin Woodman said:
I'll listen to what he thinks about, - and slowly walked up to the Stork.
But he heard the even, whistling breath of the Stork, and the Lumberjack shouted in surprise:
He's asleep!
The stork actually fell asleep while he was thinking.
The lion was terribly angry and barked:
I'll eat it!
The stork slept lightly and instantly opened its eyes:
Do you think I'm dreaming? - he cheated. - No, I was just thinking. Such a difficult task ... But, perhaps, I would have carried your comrade to the shore, if he had not been so big and heavy.
Is it heavy? Ellie cried. - Why, the Scarecrow is stuffed with straw and light as a feather! Even I pick it up!
Then I'll try! - said the Stork. - But look, if it turns out to be too heavy, I will throw it into the water. It would be nice to first weigh your friend on the scales, but since this is impossible, then I'm flying!
As you can see, the Stork was a careful and thorough bird.
The stork flapped its wide wings and flew towards the Scarecrow. He grabbed his shoulders with strong claws, easily lifted and carried him to the shore, where Ellie was sitting with friends.
When the Scarecrow found himself on the shore again, he warmly hugged his friends and then turned to the Stork:
I thought I would always have to hang around on a pole in the middle of the river and scare the fish! Now I cannot thank you properly, because I have straw in my head. But after visiting Goodwin, I will track you down, and you will find out what the gratitude of a man with brains is.
I am very glad, - Stork answered solidly. - I love to help others in misfortune, especially when it does not cost me much work ... However, I chatted with you. My wife and children are waiting for me. I wish you to reach the Emerald City safely and get what you are going for!
And he politely gave each traveler his wrinkled red paw, and each traveler shook it in a friendly manner, and the Scarecrow shook it so much that he almost tore it off. The stork flew away, and the travelers walked along the shore. The scarecrow walked and sang:
Hey gay gay go! I'm with Ellie again!
Then, after three steps:
Hey gay gay go! I'm with the Tin Woodman again!
And so he went over everyone, not excluding Totoshka, and then again began his awkward, but cheerful and good-natured song.
Insidious poppy field
The travelers walked merrily through a meadow dotted with magnificent blue and white flowers. Red poppies of unprecedented size with a very strong aroma were often found. Everyone had fun: the Scarecrow was saved, neither the Ogre, nor the ravines, nor the saber-toothed tigers, nor the fast river stopped the friends on their way to the Emerald City, and they assumed that all the dangers were behind.
What lovely flowers! Ellie exclaimed.
They are good! - said the Scarecrow. - Of course, if I had brains, I would admire flowers more than now.
And I would love them if I had a heart, ”sighed the Tin Woodman.
I have always been in friendship with flowers, - said the Cowardly Lion. - They are cute and harmless creatures and never jump out at you from around the corner, like these terrible saber-toothed tigers. But in my forest there were no such large and bright colors.
The further the travelers went, the more poppies became in the field. All the other flowers disappeared, drowned out by the poppy bushes. And soon the travelers found themselves among the boundless poppy field. The smell of poppy lulls, but Ellie did not know this and continued walking, carelessly inhaling the sweetish soporific scent and admiring the huge red flowers. Her eyelids were heavy, and she wanted badly to sleep. However, the Tin Woodman would not let her lie down.
We must hurry to reach the road paved with yellow bricks by nightfall, ”he said, and the Scarecrow supported him.
They walked a few more steps, but Ellie could no longer struggle with sleep - staggering, she sank among the poppies, closed her eyes with a sigh and fell fast asleep.
What to do with it? - asked the Lumberjack in bewilderment.
If Ellie stays here, she will sleep until she dies, ”the Lion said, yawning widely. “The scent of these flowers is deadly. My eyes are drooping too, and the dog is already asleep.
Toto was really lying on the carpet of poppies next to his little mistress. Only the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman were not affected by the destructive scent of flowers, and they were as cheerful as ever.
Run! - said the Scarecrow to the Cowardly Lion. - Escape from this dangerous place... We will report the girl, and if you fall asleep, we cannot cope with you. You're too heavy!
The lion jumped forward and disappeared from sight in an instant. The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow crossed their arms and sat Ellie on top of them. They thrust Toto into the hands of a sleepy girl, and she unconsciously clung to his soft fur. The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman walked among the poppy field along the wide, crushed trail left by the Lion, and it seemed to them that there would be no end to the field.
But then trees and green grass appeared in the distance. Friends breathed a sigh of relief: they were afraid that a long stay in the poisoned air would kill Ellie. At the edge of the poppy field, they saw the Lion. The scent of flowers defeated the powerful beast, and he slept with his paws spread wide in his last effort to reach the saving meadow.
We cannot help him! said the Tin Woodman sadly. - It's too heavy for us. Now he has fallen asleep forever, and perhaps he is dreaming that he has finally gained courage ...
Very, very sorry! - said the Scarecrow. - Despite his cowardice, Leo was a good friend, and I am bitter to leave him here, among the cursed poppies. But let's go, we need to save Ellie.
They carried the sleeping girl out to the green lawn by the river, away from the deadly poppy field, laid her on the grass and sat down, waiting for the fresh air to wake Ellie.
While the friends sat and looked around, the grass swayed nearby, and a yellow wild cat jumped out onto the lawn. Barring his sharp teeth and pressing his ears to his head, he chased after prey. The Tin Woodman jumped up and saw a gray field mouse running. The cat raised its clawed paw over her, and the mouse, desperately squeaking, closed its eyes, but the Tin Woodman took pity on the defenseless creature and cut off the head of the wild cat. The mouse opened her eyes and saw that the enemy was dead. She said to the Tin Woodman:
Thank you! You saved my life.
Oh, well, it’s not worth talking about it, ”objected the Tin Woodman, who, in truth, was uncomfortable with the fact that he had to kill the cat. - You know, I have no heart, but I always try to help the weak in trouble, be it even a simple mouse!
A simple mouse? - the mouse squeaked in indignation. - What do you mean by that, sir? Do you know that I am Ramina, the queen of the field mice?
Oh really? cried the amazed Lumberjack. “A thousand apologies, your majesty!
In any case, you have done your duty to save my life, ”said the queen, softening.
At this moment, several mice, out of breath, jumped out into the clearing and rushed to the queen with all their might.
Oh your majesty! - they squealed in eager rivalry. “We thought you were dead, and we prepared to mourn you! But who killed the evil cat? And they bowed so low to the little queen that they stood on their heads, and their hind legs dangled in the air.
He was hacked to death by this strange iron man. You have to serve him and fulfill his desires, ”Ramina said importantly.
Let him order! the mice shouted in unison.
But at that moment they, led by the queen herself, scattered. The fact is that Toto, opening his eyes and seeing mice around him, uttered an admirable scream and rushed into the middle of the flock. Back in Kansas, he was famous as a great mouse hunter, and no cat could match him in agility. But the Tin Woodman grabbed the doggie and shouted to the mice:
Here! Here! Back! I keep it!
The mouse queen stuck her head out of the thick grass and fearfully asked:
Are you sure he won't eat me and my courtiers?
Calm down, your majesty! I won't let him out!
The mice gathered again, and Toto, after useless attempts to escape from the woodcutter's iron hands, calmed down. So that the dog no longer frightened the mice, he had to be tied to a peg driven into the ground.
The main maid of honor, the mouse, spoke:
A generous stranger! How would you like to thank you for saving the queen?
I'm really at a loss, '' began the Tin Woodman, but the resourceful Scarecrow quickly interrupted him:
Save our friend Leo! He's in a poppy field.
A lion! cried the queen. - He will eat us all!
Oh no! - answered the Scarecrow. - This is the Cowardly Lion, he is very humble, and besides, he is sleeping.
Well, let's try. How to do it?
Are there many mice in your kingdom?
Oh, whole thousands!
Order them all to be gathered, and have each bring a long string.
Queen Ramina gave the order to the courtiers, and they rushed with such zeal in all directions that only paws flashed.
And you, friend, - the Scarecrow turned to the Tin Woodman, - make a sturdy cart - take the Lion out of the poppies.
The Tin Woodman got down to business and worked with such zeal that when the first mice with long threads in their teeth appeared, a sturdy cart with wheels made of solid wooden stumps was ready.
Mice were running from everywhere; there were many thousands of them, of all sizes and ages: here gathered small mice, and medium-sized mice, and large old mice. One decrepit old mouse dragged herself into the clearing with great difficulty and, bowing to the queen, immediately fell with her paws up. Two granddaughters laid their grandmother on a burdock leaf and zealously waved grass blades over her so that the breeze would bring her to her senses.
It was difficult to harness so many mice to the cart: thousands of threads had to be tied to the front axle. Moreover, the Woodman and the Scarecrow were in a hurry, fearing that the Lion would die in the poppy field, and the threads were tangled in their hands. Moreover, some young playful mice ran from place to place and confused the team. Finally, each thread was tied at one end to the cart, the other to the mouse's tail, and order was established.
At this time, Ellie woke up and looked with surprise at the strange picture. The scarecrow told her in few words what had happened and turned to the mouse queen:
Your Majesty! Let me introduce you to Ellie, the House of Killing fairy.
The two tall persons bowed politely and struck up a friendly conversation ...
The preparations are over.
It was not easy for the two friends to load the heavy Lion onto the cart. But they still lifted it, and the mice, with the help of the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, quickly took the cart out of the poppy field.
The lion was brought to the clearing, where Ellie was sitting, guarded by Totoshka. The girl sincerely thanked the mice for saving her faithful friend, whom she had time to love very much.
The mice gnawed at the strings attached to their tails and hurried to their homes. The mouse queen gave the girl a tiny silver whistle.
If you need me again, ”she said,“ blow that whistle three times, and I’m at your service. Goodbye!
Goodbye! - answered Ellie.
But at this time, Totoshka broke off the leash, and Ramina had to flee in the thick grass with haste, completely indecent for the queen.
The Travelers waited patiently for the Cowardly Lion to wake up; he breathed too long the poisoned air of the poppy field. But the Lion was strong and strong, and the insidious poppies could not kill him. He opened his eyes, yawned wide several times and tried to stretch, but the rungs of the cart prevented him.
Where I am? Am I still alive?
Seeing friends, Leo was terribly happy and rolled off the cart.
Tell us what happened? I ran with all my might across the poppy field, but with every step my paws became heavier, fatigue knocked me down, and then I don't remember anything.
The scarecrow told how the mice took Lion out of the poppy field.
The lion shook his head:
How amazing it is! I have always considered myself very big and strong. And now the flowers, so insignificant in comparison with me, almost killed me, and the miserable, small creatures, mice, at which I always looked with contempt, saved me! And all this is because there are many of them, they act together and become stronger than me, Leo, the king of beasts! But what are we going to do, my friends?
Let's continue our way to the Emerald City, - said Ellie. - Three cherished desires must be fulfilled, and this will open the way for me to my homeland!
When the Lion recovered, the company set off merrily. Through the soft green grass, they walked out to the road paved with yellow bricks and rejoiced at her like a dear old friend.
Soon beautiful hedges appeared on the sides of the road, farmhouses stood behind them, and men and women worked in the fields. Fences and houses were painted a beautiful bright green, and people wore green clothes.
This means the Emerald Land has begun, said the Tin Woodman.
Why? the Scarecrow asked.
Don't you know the emerald is green?
I don’t know anything, ”the Scarecrow protested with pride. - When I have brains, then I will know everything!
Inhabitants Emerald country they were no taller than Munchkins. On their heads they wore the same wide-brimmed hats with a sharp top, but without silver bells. They seemed to be unfriendly: no one approached Ellie or even asked her questions from a distance. In fact, they were simply afraid of the big formidable Leo and the little Toto.
I think that we will have to spend the night in the field, - said the Scarecrow.
And I am hungry, - said the girl. - The fruits are good here, but still they bored me so much that I can't see them and I would exchange all of them for a crust of bread! And Toto was completely emaciated ... What are you, poor thing, eating?
Yes, so that it will be necessary, - the dog answered evasively.
He did not want to admit at all that every night he accompanied the Lion on the hunt and ate the remains of his prey.
Seeing the house on the porch of which stood the hostess, who seemed more affable than the other residents of the village, Ellie decided to ask for a night's lodging. Leaving her friends behind the fence, she boldly walked to the porch. The woman asked:
What do you want, child?
Please let us spend the night!
But with you Leo!
Do not be afraid of him: he is tame, and, besides, he is a coward!
If so, come in, ”the woman replied,“ you will receive dinner and a bed.
The company entered the house, surprising and frightening the children and the owner of the house. When the general fright passed, the owner asked:
Who are you and where are you going?
We're going to the Emerald City, - said Ellie. - And we want to see the Great Goodwin!
Oh really! Are you sure Goodwin will want to see you?
Why not?
You see, he doesn't accept anyone. I have been to the Emerald City many times, this is an amazing and beautiful place, but I never got a chance to see Great Goodwin, and I know that no one has ever seen him ...
Doesn't he come out?
No. And day and night he sits in the large throne room of his palace, and even those who serve him do not see his face.
Who does he look like?
It's hard to say, - the owner replied thoughtfully. - The fact is that Goodwin is a great sage and can take any form. Sometimes he appears in the form of a bird or a leopard, and then suddenly turns into a mole. Others saw him in the form of a fish or a fly and in any other form that he pleases to accept. But what is its real appearance - none of the people knows.
It's amazing and scary, ”Ellie said. “But we will try to see him, otherwise our journey is in vain.
Why do you want to see Goodwin the Terrible? the owner asked.
I want to ask for a little brains for my straw head, - answered the Scarecrow.
Oh, for him this is sheer trifles! He has much more brains than he needs. They are all arranged in bags, and in each bag there is a special variety.
And I want him to give me a heart, - said the Woodman.
And this is not difficult for him, - answered the owner, winking slyly. - He has a whole collection of hearts of all kinds of shapes and sizes drying on a string.
And I would like to get courage from Goodwin, - said the Lion.
Goodwin has a large pot of courage in his throne room, the owner announced. “It's covered with a gold lid, and Goodwin looks to keep his courage from boiling over. Of course, he will gladly give you a serving.
All three friends, having heard the owner's detailed explanations, beamed and looked at each other with satisfied smiles.
And I want, ”Ellie said,“ for Goodwin to bring Toto and me back to Kansas.
Where is Kansas? - asked the surprised owner.
I don’t know, ”Ellie answered sadly. - But this is my homeland, and it exists somewhere.
Well, I'm sure Goodwin will find Kansas for you. But you must first see him himself, and this is not an easy task. Goodwin does not like to appear, and, obviously, he has his own ideas on this matter, - added the owner in a whisper and looked around, as if afraid that Goodwin was about to jump out from under the bed or out of the closet.
Everyone was a little creepy, and Leo almost went out into the street: he thought it was safer there.
Supper was served and everyone sat down to table. Ellie ate delicious buckwheat porridge and scrambled eggs and black bread; she was very happy with these dishes, which reminded her of a distant homeland. The lion was also given porridge, but he ate it in disgust and said that this food was for rabbits, not for Lions. The Scarecrow and the Woodcutter ate nothing. Toto ate his portion and asked for more.
The woman put Ellie to bed, and Toto settled down next to his little mistress. The lion stretched out at the threshold of the room and guarded so that no one entered. The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow stood all night in a corner, occasionally talking in whispers.
Ellie woke up because the dog licked her face with a hot wet tongue and whined. At first it seemed to her that she had an amazing dream, and Ellie was about to tell her mother about it. But, seeing the overturned chairs, the stove lying on the floor, Ellie realized that everything was real.
The girl jumped out of bed. The house did not move. The sun was shining brightly through the window.
Ellie ran to the door, flung it open and screamed in surprise.
The hurricane brought the house into a country of extraordinary beauty: a green lawn spread around; trees with ripe, juicy fruits grew along its edges; the meadows were filled with beautiful pink, white and blue flowers. Tiny birds fluttered in the air, sparkling with their bright plumage. Golden-green and red-breasted parrots sat on the branches of the trees and screamed in high, strange voices. A transparent stream gurgled in the distance, and silvery fish frolicked in the water.
As the girl stood hesitantly in the doorway, the funniest and cutest little people imaginable appeared from behind the trees. The men, dressed in blue velvet caftans and tight knickers, were no taller than Ellie; on their feet shone blue over-the-knee boots with cuffs. But most of all, Ellie liked the pointed hats: their tops were decorated with crystal balls, and under the wide brim small bells jingled softly.
An old woman in a white robe walked gravely in front of the three men; tiny stars glittered on her pointed hat and robe. The old woman's gray hair fell over her shoulders.
In the distance, behind the fruit trees, a whole crowd of small men and women could be seen; they stood whispering and exchanging glances, but did not dare to come closer.
Approaching the girl, these timid little people smiled affably and somewhat timidly at Ellie, but the old woman looked at Ellie with obvious bewilderment. The three men moved forward in unison and took off their hats at once. "Ding ding ding!" - bells rang out. Ellie noticed that the jaws of the little men were moving incessantly, as if they were chewing on something.
The old woman turned to Ellie:
Tell me, how did you end up in the country of the Munchkins, dear child?
I was brought here by a hurricane in this house, - Ellie answered timidly.
Strange, very strange! - the old woman shook her head. - Now you will understand my bewilderment. Here is how it was. I learned that the evil sorceress Gingema was out of her mind and wanted to destroy the human race and populate the earth with rats and snakes. And I had to use all my magic art ...
How, madam! - Ellie exclaimed with fear. - Are you a sorceress? But what did my mother tell me that now there are no wizards?
Where does your mom live?
In Kansas.
I've never heard such a name, - said the sorceress, pursing her lips. “But, no matter what your mother says, wizards and sages live in this country. There were four of us here. Two of us - the sorceress of the Yellow Country (it's me - Willina!) And the sorceress of the Pink Country Stella - are kind. And the sorceress of the Blue Land of Gingham and the sorceress of the Purple Land of Bastinda are very evil. Your house crushed Gingema, and now there is only one evil sorceress left in our country.
Ellie was amazed. How could she destroy the evil sorceress, a little girl who did not even kill a sparrow in her life ?!
Ellie said:
You are, of course, mistaken: I did not kill anyone.
I don’t blame you for that, ”said the sorceress Willina calmly. - After all, it was me, in order to save people from trouble, deprived the hurricane of its destructive power and allowed it to seize only one house in order to throw it on the head of the insidious Gingema, because I read in my magic book that it is always empty in a storm ...
Ellie shyly replied:
It's true, madam, during hurricanes we hide in the cellar, but I ran to the house for my dog ...
My magic book could not have foreseen such a reckless act! - the sorceress Willina was upset. - So, this little beast is to blame for everything ...
Totoshka, av av, with your permission, madam! - the dog unexpectedly intervened in the conversation. - Yes, sadly I confess, it's all my fault ...
How did you speak, Totoshka !? - Ellie cried out in surprise.
I don’t know how it turns out, Ellie, but, av av, human words involuntarily fly out of my mouth ...
You see, Ellie, - Willina explained, - in this wonderful country not only people speak, but all animals and even birds. Look around, do you like our country?
She's not bad, ma'am, ”said Ellie,“ but our house is better. You should have looked at our farmyard! You should have looked at our Pied Piglet, madam! No, I want to return to my homeland, to my father and mother ...
It is hardly possible, - said the sorceress. “Our country is separated from the rest of the world by desert and huge mountains, through which not a single person passed. I'm afraid, my little one, that you will have to stay with us.
Ellie's eyes filled with tears. The Good Munchkins were very upset and also wept, wiping away their tears with blue handkerchiefs. The munchkins took off their hats and put them on the ground so that the bells would not interfere with their sobbing with their ringing.
Will you help me at all, at all? Ellie asked sadly.
Oh yes, - Willina caught herself, - I completely forgot that my magic book was with me. We need to look into it: maybe I'll read something useful for you there ...
Willina pulled out a tiny little book the size of a thimble from the folds of her clothes. The sorceress blew on her, and in front of the surprised and a little frightened Ellie, the book began to grow, grow and turned into a huge volume. It was so heavy that the old woman put it on a large stone. Willina looked at the pages of the book, and they turned over under her gaze.
Found, found! - the sorceress suddenly exclaimed and began to slowly read: - “Bambara, chufara, scoriki, moriki, turabo, furabo, loriki, yoriki ... cherished desires, pickup, trikapu, botalo, shook ... "
Pickup, trikapu, botalo, shook ... - repeated the Munchkins in sacred horror.
Who is Goodwin? Ellie asked.
Oh, this is the greatest sage of our country, - the old woman whispered. - He is more powerful than all of us and lives in the Emerald City.
Is he evil or kind?
Nobody knows that. But do not be afraid, find three creatures, fulfill their cherished desires, and the wizard of the Emerald City will help you return to your country!
Where is the Emerald City? Ellie asked.
He is in the center of the country. The great sage and wizard, Goodwin, built and controls it himself. But he surrounded himself with extraordinary mystery, and no one saw him after the construction of the city, and it ended many, many years ago.
How do I get to the Emerald City?
The road is far away. The country is not always as good as it is here. There are dark forests with terrible animals, there are fast rivers - crossing them is dangerous ...
Will you come with me? the girl asked.
No, my child, - answered Willina. - I cannot leave the Yellow Country for a long time. You must go alone. The road to the Emerald City is paved with yellow bricks, and you won't get lost. When you come to Goodwin, ask him for help ...
How long will I have to live here, madam? - asked Ellie, bowing her head.
I don't know, - answered Willina. - About this nothing is said in my magic book. Go, look, fight! From time to time I will look into the magic book to know how your business is going ... Goodbye, my dear!
Willina leaned over to the huge book, and it immediately shrank to the size of a thimble and disappeared into the folds of her mantle. A whirlwind flew in, it became dark, and when the darkness cleared away, Willina was gone: the sorceress disappeared. Ellie and the Munchkins trembled with fear, and the bells on the little people's hats rang by themselves.
When everyone had calmed down a little, the bravest of the Munchkins, their foreman, turned to Ellie:
Mighty Fairy! Welcome to the Blue Country! You killed the evil Gingema and freed the Munchkins!
Ellie said:
You are very kind, but there is a mistake: I am not a fairy. And you heard that my house fell on Gingema by order of the sorceress Willina ...
We don’t believe that, ”said Chief Munchkin stubbornly. - We heard your conversation with the good sorceress, botalo, shook, but we think that you are a powerful fairy. After all, only fairies can travel through the air in their houses, and only a fairy could free us from Gingema, the evil sorceress of the Blue Country. Gingema ruled over us for many years and made us work day and night ...
She made us work day and night! the Munchkins said in unison.
She ordered us to catch spiders and bats, collect frogs and leeches in the ditches. These were her favorite foods ...
And we, - the Munchkins cried, - we are very afraid of spiders and leeches!
What are you crying about? Ellie asked. - After all, all this has passed!
True true! - The munchkins laughed in unison, and the bells on their hats rang merrily.
Mighty Lady Ellie! - the foreman spoke. - Do you want to become our mistress instead of Gingema? We are sure that you are very kind and will not punish us too often! ..
No, - objected Ellie, - I'm just a little girl and I'm not fit to be the ruler of the country. If you want to help me, give me the opportunity to fulfill your most cherished desires!
We had the only desire to get rid of the evil Gingema, pickup, tricap! But your house is a krak! crack! - crushed her, and we have no more desires! .. - said the foreman.
Then I have nothing to do here. I will go look for those who have desires. Only now my shoes are very old and torn, they will not withstand a long journey. Really, Totoshka? - Ellie turned to the dog. oskazkakh.ru - site
Of course, they will not stand it, - agreed Totoshka. “But don’t worry, Ellie, I saw something nearby and I’ll help you!”
You? - the girl was surprised.
Yes I! - Totoshka answered proudly and disappeared into the trees. A minute later he returned with a beautiful silver shoe in his teeth and solemnly laid it at Ellie's feet. A gold buckle glittered on the shoe.
Where did you get it from? - Ellie was amazed.
I'll tell you now! - answered the out of breath dog, disappeared and returned again with another shoe.
How lovely! - said Ellie with admiration and tried on the shoes: they just hit her leg, as if they were sewn onto her.
When I was running on reconnaissance, - Totoshka began importantly, - I saw a big black hole in the mountain behind the trees ...
Ah ah ah! - the Munchkins shouted in horror. - After all, this is the entrance to the cave of the evil sorceress Gingema! And you dared to enter there? ..
What's so terrible about that? After all, Gingema is dead! - objected Totoshka.
You must be a wizard too! - said the foreman with fear; all the other Munchkins nodded their heads in agreement, and the bells under their hats rang in unison.
It was there, entering this, as you call it, cave, I saw many funny and strange things, but most of all I liked the shoes standing at the entrance. Some big birds with terrible yellow eyes tried to prevent me from taking my shoes, but will Toto be afraid of anything when he wants to serve his Ellie?
Oh, you are my dear daredevil! - Ellie exclaimed and gently hugged the dog to her chest. - In these shoes I will walk tirelessly as much as I want ...
It's very good that you got the shoes of the evil Gingema, - the elder Munchkin interrupted her. “They seem to have a magical power in them, because Gingema only wore them on the most important occasions. But what kind of power it is, we do not know ... And you still leave us, dear Mrs. Ellie? the foreman asked with a sigh. - Then we will bring you something to eat on the road ...
The Munchkins left, and Ellie was left alone. She found a piece of bread in the house and ate it on the bank of the stream, washed down with clear cold water. Then she began to get ready for a long journey, and Toto was running under the tree and trying to grab a noisy motley parrot sitting on the lower branch, which was teasing him all the time.
Ellie got out of the van, carefully closed the door and wrote on it in chalk: "I am not at home."
Meanwhile, the Munchkins returned. They brought in enough food for Ellie to last several years. There were rams, fried geese and ducks, fruit baskets ...
Ellie said with a laugh:
Well, where do I go, my friends?
She put some bread and fruit in the basket, said goodbye to the Munchkins and boldly set off on a long journey with the cheerful Toto.
There was a crossroads not far from the house: several roads diverged here. Ellie chose the yellow brick road and walked briskly along it. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the little girl, abandoned in an amazing foreign land, felt not bad at all.
The road was fenced off on both sides by beautiful blue hedges, behind which began cultivated fields. In some places round houses could be seen. Their roofs were like the pointed hats of the Munchkins. Crystal balls sparkled on the rooftops. The houses were painted blue.
Little men and women were working in the fields, taking off their hats and bowing to Ellie. After all, now every Munchkin knew that the girl in silver shoes had freed their country from the evil sorceress by dropping her house - the krak! crack! - right on her head. All the Munchkins, whom Ellie met on the way, looked at Toto with fearful surprise and, hearing his barking, plugged their ears. When a cheerful dog ran up to one of the Munchkins, he ran away from him at full speed: there were no dogs at all in Goodwin's country.
Towards evening, when Ellie was hungry and was thinking about where to spend the night, she saw a large house by the road. Little men and women danced on the front lawn. The musicians played diligently on small violins and flutes. There and then children were frolicking, so tiny that Ellie opened her eyes in amazement: they looked like dolls. Long tables were set out on the terrace with vases full of fruits, nuts, chocolates, delicious pies and large cakes.
Seeing Ellie, a handsome tall old man came out of the crowd of dancing (he was a whole finger taller than Ellie!) And said with a bow:
My friends and I are celebrating today the liberation of our country from the evil sorceress. Do I dare ask the mighty fairy of the House of Killing to take part in our feast?
Why do you think I'm a fairy? Ellie asked.
You crushed the evil sorceress Gingema - Krak! crack! - like an empty eggshell; you are wearing her magic shoes; you are with an amazing beast, which we have never seen, and, according to the stories of our friends, he is also gifted with magical powers ...
Ellie could not object to this and went after the old man, whose name was Prem Caucus. She was greeted like a queen, and bells rang incessantly, and there were endless dances, and a great many cakes were eaten and countless refreshments were drunk, and the whole evening was so cheerful and pleasant that Ellie remembered about her father and mother, just falling asleep in bed.
In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, she asked Kokus:
How far is the Emerald City from here?
I don’t know, ”the old man replied thoughtfully. - I've never been there. Better to stay away from Great Goodwin, especially if you have no important business with him. And the road to the Emerald City is long and difficult. You will have to cross dark forests and cross fast deep rivers.
Ellie was a little upset, but she knew that only Great Goodwin would return her to Kansas, and so she said goodbye to her friends and set off again along the road paved with yellow bricks.
Draw diagrams of homogeneous members and indicate how they are expressed. Along the edges there were trees with ripe fruits, and in the center there were flower beds of pink white andIn the air, tiny birds, colorful butterflies, hovered in the air. Red-breasted and golden-green parrots sat on the branches of the trees, screaming in strange voices. Men and women could be seen behind the fruit trees.
Task 1 ARRANGE THE PREPARATION SIGNS, MAKE THE SCHEMES OF THE SPP, DETERMINE THE TYPES OF SUPPLIED SENTENCES. 1) In the hut where they were alloweddine was weedy and smelled of bread and shredded cabbage.
2) Fedka saw how the high bow of the steamer flew at them from the darkness with irresistible force, without noticing them, heading for the very middle of the ship.
3) Gerasimov looked at his feedman so that he regretted the question asked.
4) The night was dark because clouds covered the sky and did not let the light of the stars through.
5) As soon as the regiment left Ozernoye, a cold rain began to fall.
6) From a distance one could see how the bunches of rowan and hawthorn were glowing under the sun.
7) Grinyuk, lifting his chin, looked into the sky where from time to time an almost regular disk of the moon slipped out from under the wedges of clouds.
8) At that moment when Ivan entered the courtyard, there was a pause.
9) The old ferry was pulled ashore and tied tightly to the ancient mighty willows so that it would not be carried away by the irrepressible spring flood.
10) Burying my chin in the snow, I painfully figured out what to do.
Assignment 2 ARRANGE SIGNS OF PUBLICATION, MAKE A SCHEME OF SPP WITH SEVERAL ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS, DETERMINE THE TYPES OF SUPPLIED SENTENCES AND TYPE OF SUBMISSION.
Only now did Frol see that it was full daylight, that at the blue foot of the cliff above Svetlikha, white stripes of fog were swinging, that the stones on the shore had become bluish from the morning dew. EXAMPLE OF A CIRCUIT [also:], (how ...)
MAKE A SCHEME OF THE PROPOSAL TO THE TEXTMAKE A PROPOSAL SCHEME TO THE TEXT! 1) Finally
the sands moved away from the coast, giving way to a narrow strip of forest, horsetails,
ferns and palms. 2) The number of shallows in the sea was increasing and
even low-lying islands appeared, completely overgrown with small horsetails and
3) the sands moved farther and farther and their reddish ridges were narrower
almost hid behind the coastal forest 4) the number of islands is all
increased and the sea turned into a huge quiet river crashing into
sleeves 5) even the water became almost fresh
The history of coffee begins with the cheerful animals of the Ethiopian shepherd,
who began to "dance" when they gorged on the leaves and fruits of coffee
trees.
Smykh - a hermit who so successfully healed with the help of
coffee that was declared holy.
The soldiers chewed raw grains that were considered healthy,
because they gave them strength and vigor.
It was only later that they guessed to roast and grind coffee, so that
make a drink from it, without which not a single business meeting can do now,
neither a friendly conversation, nor just a little rest. Make proposal diagrams and indicate the way of reporting?
