The Guardian at once addressed him,
saying:
"Here is a strange gentleman who doesn't know why he has come to the Emerald
City, or what he wants. Tell me, what shall we do with him?"
The Soldier with the Green Whiskers looked at Jack with much care and
curiosity. Finally he shook his head so positively that little waves rippled
down his whiskers, and then he said:
"I must take him to His Majesty, the Scarecrow."
But what will His Majesty, the Scarecrow, do with him?" asked the Guardian
of the Gates.
"That is His Majesty's business," returned the soldier. "I have troubles
enough of my own. All outside troubles must be turned over to His Majesty.
So put the spectacles on this fellow, and I'll take him to the royal
palace."
68
So the Guardian opened a big box of spectacles and tried to fit a pair to
Jack's great round eyes.
"I haven't a pair in stock that will really cover those eyes up," said the
little man, with a sigh; "and your head is so big that I shall be obliged to
tie the spectacles on."
"But why need I wear spectacles?" asked Jack.
"It's the fashion here," said the Soldier, "and they will keep you from
being blinded by the glitter and glare of the gorgeous Emerald City.
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