The Oz Series
Chapter 6
Part of the Dorothy's Journey to the Wizard and Back to Kansas arc.
What happens
Dorothy and her companions continue walking through the thick woods along the yellow brick road, now covered by dried branches and dead leaves that make the walking poor. Few birds live in this part of the forest, but deep growls from hidden wild animals make Dorothy's heart beat fast, though Toto, who knows the sounds, walks close to her without barking. Dorothy asks the Tin Woodman how long until they leave the forest; he cannot say, having never been to the Emerald City, but recalls his father describing a long, dangerous journey through country that becomes beautiful nearer Oz's city. He notes he is protected by his oil-can, the Scarecrow cannot be hurt, and Dorothy bears the Good Witch's kiss, but that they must protect Toto themselves.
A terrible roar sounds and a great Lion bounds into the road. With one paw blow he sends the Scarecrow spinning to the road's edge, then strikes the Tin Woodman with his claws, making no impression on the tin though the Woodman falls over. When the Lion opens his mouth to bite the barking Toto, Dorothy rushes forward, slaps the Lion on the nose, and scolds him for being a big coward who would strike a stuffed man and bite a poor little dog. The Lion admits he has always known he is a coward and cannot help it. He is astonished to learn the Scarecrow is stuffed and the Tin Woodman is made of tin, which explains why the one whirled away easily and the other blunted his claws. Dorothy identifies Toto as a "meat dog."
The Lion, as big as a small horse, explains his cowardice is a mystery, supposing he was born that way. Though the Lion is everywhere thought the King of Beasts, he learned that roaring loudly frightens every living thing away, so no animal ever tests him; whenever danger appears, his heart beats fast. The Scarecrow says the King of Beasts should not be a coward, and the Lion weeps that it makes his life unhappy. The Tin Woodman suggests he may have heart disease, which would at least prove he has a heart, unlike the Woodman. The Lion reflects that if he had no heart he might not be a coward. Learning the others are going to Oz for brains, a heart, and passage to Kansas, the Cowardly Lion asks whether Oz could give him courage and, told it is possible, joins the party; Dorothy welcomes him to help keep away wild beasts.
The company sets off with the Lion walking at Dorothy's side. Toto, at first fearful after nearly being crushed in the Lion's jaws, soon becomes good friends with the Cowardly Lion. During the day's remaining journey the only incident is the Tin Woodman accidentally stepping on and killing a beetle, which makes him weep tears of regret; the tears run over his jaw hinges and rust them shut so he cannot open his mouth. The Scarecrow seizes the oil-can from Dorothy's basket and oils the Woodman's jaws so he can speak again. The Tin Woodman resolves to watch where he steps, since crying rusts his jaws, and thereafter walks carefully, stepping over ants to avoid harming anything. He explains that people with hearts have something to guide them and need never do wrong, but he, having no heart, must be very careful never to be cruel, until Oz gives him a heart.
Who is in play
- Dorothy
- Cowardly Lion
- Tin Woodman
- Scarecrow
- Dorothy's Traveling Party
- City of Emeralds
- Kansas
- Oz
- Toto
- road of yellow brick