"
"That is unfortunate, certainly," said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. "We must
have an interpreter."
"What is an interpreter?" asked Jack.
"A person who understands both my language and your own. When I say
anything, the interpreter can tell you what I mean; and when you say
anything the interpreter can tell me what you mean. For the interpreter can
speak both languages as well as understand them."
"That is certainly clever," said Jack, greatly pleased at finding so simple
a way out of the difficulty.
So the Scarecrow commanded the Soldier with the Green Whiskers to search
among his people
75
until he found one who understood the language of the Gillikins as well as
the language of the Emerald City, and to bring that person to him at once.
When the Soldier had departed the Scarecrow said:
"Won't you take a chair while we are waiting?"
"Your Majesty forgets that I cannot understand you," replied the
Pumpkinhead. "If you wish me to sit down you must make a sign for me to do
so." The Scarecrow came down from his throne and rolled an armchair to a
position behind the Pumpkinhead. Then he gave Jack a sudden push that sent
him sprawling upon the cushions in so awkward a fashion that he doubled up
like a jackknife, and had hard work to untangle himself.
Pages:
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61