The Scarecrow nodded, and Tappy, throwing back his head, chanted with a will: Chang Wang Woe did draw the bow-- And twist the queues of a thousand foe! "In Oz," murmured the Scarecrow reflectively as Tappy finished, "I twisted the necks of a flock of wild crows--that was before I had my excellent brains, too. Oh, I'm a fighting man, there's no doubt about it. But tell me, Tappy, where did I meet my wife?" "In the water!" chuckled Tappy Oko, screwing up his eyes. "Never!" The Scarecrow looked out over the harbor and then down at his lumpy figure. "Your Majesty forgets you were then a man like me--er--not stuffed with straw, I mean," exclaimed Happy, looking embarrassed. "She was fishing," continued the little Punster, "when a huge silver fish became entangled in her line. She stood up, the fish gave a mighty leap and pulled her out of the boat. Your Majesty, having seen the whole affair from the bank, plunged bravely into the water and, swimming out, rescued her, freed the fish, and in due time made her your bride. I've made a song about that, also." "Let's hear it," said the Scarecrow. And this is what Happy sung: Tsing Tsing, a Silver Fisher's daughter, Was fishing in the silver water. The moon shone on her silver hair And there were fishes everywhere! Then came a mighty silver fish, It seized her line and with a swish Of silver fins upset her boat. Tsing Tsing could neither swim nor float. She raised her silver voice in fear And who her call of help should hear But Chang Wang Woe, the Emperor, Who saved and married her, what's more! "Did I really?" asked the Scarecrow, feeling quite flattered by Happy's song. "Yes," said Happy positively, "and invited me to the wedding, though I was only a small boy." "Was Chew Chew there?" The Scarecrow couldn't help wondering how the old Nobleman had taken his marriage with a poor fisherman's daughter. Happy chuckled at the memory. "He had a Princess all picked out for you," he confided merrily: And there he stood in awful pride And scorned the father of the bride! "Hoh!" roared the Scarecrow, falling off the bench. "That's the Ozziest thing I've heard since I landed in the Silver Islands. Tappy, my boy, I believe we are going to be friends! But let's forget the past and think of the present!" The Scarecrow embraced his Imperial Punster on the spot. "Let's find something jolly to do," he suggested. "Would your Extreme Highness care for kites?" asked Happy. "'Tis a favorite sport here!" "Would I! But wait, I will disguise myself." Hiding his royal hat under the bench, he put on Happy Toko's broad-rimmed peasant hat. It turned down all 'round and almost hid his face. Then he turned his robe inside out and declared himself ready.