"But, for my part, not being
a soldier, I am fond of danger. Now, my boy, you must mount first. And
please sit as close to the horse's neck as possible."
Tip climbed quickly to his place, and the Soldier and the Scarecrow managed
to hoist the Pumpkinhead to a seat just behind him. There remained so little
space for the King that he was liable to fall off as soon as the horse
started.
"Fetch a clothesline," said the King to his Army, "and tie us all together.
Then if one falls off we will all fall off."
And while the Soldier was gone for the clothesline his Majesty continued,
"it is well for me to be careful, for my very existence is in danger."
104
"I have to be as careful as you do," said Jack.
"Not exactly," replied the Scarecrow. "for if anything happened to me, that
would be the end of me. But if anything happened to you, they could use you
for seed."
The Soldier now returned with a long line and tied all three firmly
together, also lashing them to the body of the Saw-Horse; so there seemed
little danger of their tumbling off.
"Now throw open the gates," commanded the Scarecrow, "and we will make a
dash to liberty or to death."
The courtyard in which they were standing was located in the center of the
great palace, which surrounded it on all sides.
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