as they walked along he sang "Tol-de-ri-de-oh!" at every step, he
felt so gay.

"I was afraid I should have to stay in the river forever,"
he said, "but the kind Stork saved me, and if I ever get any brains
I shall find the Stork again and do her some kindness in return."

"That's all right," said the Stork, who was flying along
beside them. "I always like to help anyone in trouble. But I
must go now, for my babies are waiting in the nest for me. I hope
you will find the Emerald City and that Oz will help you."

"Thank you," replied Dorothy, and then the kind Stork flew
into the air and was soon out of sight.

They walked along listening to the singing of the brightly
colored birds and looking at the lovely flowers which now became
so thick that the ground was carpeted with them. There were big
yellow and white and blue and purple blossoms, besides great
clusters of scarlet poppies, which were so brilliant in color they
almost dazzled Dorothy's eyes.

"Aren't they beautiful?" the girl asked, as she breathed in
the spicy scent of the bright flowers.

"I suppose so," answered the Scarecrow. "When I have brains,
I shall probably like them better."

"If I only had a heart, I should love them," added the Tin Woodman.