"Oh dear!" he said, giggling uncontrollably. "Not again!"
"My goodness," said Dorothy. "What's going on?"
"Don't you see the name of the land next to Colorland?" said the
Scarecrow. Dorothy peered at the map.
"Tickleland?" she said as she started to laugh. "I can't wait for you to
explain this one."
"Let me explain," said the Tin Woodman. "The Scarecrow and myself are
probably the only ones here who are not ticklish, so we're not concerned
about traveling through Tickleland. But for you it will be an ordeal,
believe me."
"An ordeal?" said Dorothy.
"I'm afraid so," replied the Tin Woodman. "You see, Tickleland is filled
with Ticklemonsters. They are cousins of the Octapong; and whereas the
Octapong have eight feet, the Ticklemonsters have eight arms, and that
makes forty fingers to tickle you with if they catch you."
"Oh my goodness!" said Dorothy.
"You can imagine what it's like to be tickled all over at the same
time," said the Scarecrow.
"Why on earth do they do that?" asked Dorothy. "And how can you get them
to stop?"
"Well," said the Tin Woodman. "The reason they do it is quite simple:
they do it for food, and the reason --"
"For food?" interrupted Dorothy. "Now you've lost me. What on earth has
food got to do with it?"
"Well, they don't eat solid food like you do," said the Tin Woodman.
"They absorb their nourishment through the skin, and the sound of
laughter is to them what food is to you. You see, the laughter energizes
their skin molecules to give them energy and sustenance."
"Well, I never," said Dorothy.
"You never what?" said the Scarecrow.
"That's just another expression, silly," said the Tin Woodman.
"It's like saying, 'Well, I never would have believed that,'" said Dorothy.
"Well, anyway," said the Tin Woodman, "that's why they are called
Ticklemonsters and why the land they live in is called Tickleland."
"Will they stop tickling you if you ask them to?" said Dorothy.
"On the contrary," said the Tin Woodman. "If you ask them to stop,
they'll just tickle you all the more."
"What happens if you ask them to tickle you more?" she asked.
"Then they'll stop," said the Tin Woodman. "They don't like being told
what to do, so they'll just go and find someone else to tickle."
"That's really something," said Dorothy, shaking her head. "I suppose we
must go through Tickleland?" she asked.
"I'm afraid we must," said everyone.
"If they just look at me threateningly, I'll laugh," said Dorothy. "I'm
so ticklish you wouldn't believe it"
"I'm not ticklish, but I laugh a lot when people say funny things," said
the Scarecrow.
Dorothy smiled. "How long do you think our journey will take?"
"Oh, weeks and weeks," said the Scarecrow.
"My, that is longer than I expected," replied Dorothy. "Do you really
think it'll take that long?"
"Yes, but we'll survive, I'm sure," answered the Scarecrow.
"It'll take some time to cross Elfland," said the Lion.
"Elfland?" questioned Dorothy. "That sounds fascinating. How long ago
was their land discovered?"
"Oh, quite recently," replied the Lion. "Of course, Elves have always
existed. This particular type of elf visits the mortal lands all the
time. They do a lot of work there."
"Well, I'm really looking forward to visiting their country," said Dorothy.
"Let's look at this map again to see what comes after Elfland." She
spread the map out on the ground, and they all peered at it intently.
*
Chapter Ten:
Philosophical Discussion
*
"I don't think that map will do us much good after we cross Elfland,"
Dorothy said, as she looked at the words LARGELY UNEXPLORED which marked
the area between Elfland and the Deep South Territory.
"We'll just have to take our chances," she continued. "You know, when I
was here before I didn't realize that there were so many other cultures
within Oz. I met a lot of Munchkins and some Quadlings, and all those
other interesting people and animals and creatures. I wonder how many
varieties there are?"
"There are an infinite number of lands and cultures within Oz," said the
Tin Woodman. "That's what makes Oz such an interesting place. It would
be a monotonous land indeed without variety. But I don't think Oz will
ever be fully explored. The Great Wizard who created Oz must be quite
pleased with his creation."
Dorothy looked puzzled. "You mean the Great Wizard that Glinda spoke of?"
"Oh, yes indeed." Answered the Tin Woodman. "There's only one Great
Wizard. All worlds are created by him, and he loves every soul who
resides in his creation: even the Wicked Witch of the Deep South."
"How could He love someone so evil?" questioned Dorothy.
"I was wondering that myself," said the Scarecrow.
"Well," said the Tin Woodman. "He must realize that she's her own worst
enemy, and he's just waiting for her to catch on to that fact. I don't
know why some people are so filled with hatred. As I told you, Dorothy,
ever since I've had a heart I've been having a lot of feelings, and I've
been trying to understand why some people have a lot of love inside
them, and enjoy helping others; while some only care about themselves.
Perhaps the people who can't feel love and compassion have no heart at
all."
"Or perhaps something happens to them that causes their heart to
harden," said the Lion.
"Not to change the subject," said the Scarecrow. "But I've been reading
about the creation of mortals. There are lots of books on the subject,
and sometimes the books contradict one another. Some talk about the slow
evolution of tiny simple organisms into large complex organisms. While
others talk of the instantaneous creation of complex organisms, for
example, Adam and Eve -- who were, supposedly, the very first mortals.
It's all very complicated.
"Well," said the Tin Woodman. "You don't have to accept everything you
read; you have to form your own opinion. That's why you've got a brain.
Books are just people's ideas, No one can really prove anything. Even
scientists differ in their analysis of the same evidence.
"That's correct," said the Scarecrow. "Ever since I got my brain, I've
been thinking a lot. And some of the things I've read, I agree with, and
some I don't agree with. I know some people who have read only one book
in which the creation of mortals is explained, and they say that version
is true because the people who wrote it were inspired by the Great Wizard."
"I haven't thought a lot about it," said Dorothy. "But I think people
should read all the books written on a given subject before drawing a
conclusion. Even if they didn't accept everything they read, they would
at least be stimulated by the many ideas put forth. I've heard that
people who have a long established belief about something will often
refuse to study all the available literature on the subject, but will
close their minds off completely. They have made their minds up as to
the truth of the matter, and don't want to hear another word on the
subject."
"Truth is where you find it," said the Tin Woodman.
"What does that mean?" said the Scarecrow.
"Isn't that the point of the whole thing?" said Dorothy. "Since no one
really knows for sure what is totally true or not true, we owe it to
ourselves not to be satisfied with what is told to us, but to question
and to search for ourselves. In other words, continue the search for
truth all of our lives with an open mind."
"But, as Scarecrow said, it is confusing to read all those different
ideas about things?" said the Lion.
"It can be," said the Tin Woodman. "But whatever we read, we must learn
to discern deep within ourselves what is true and what is not true, and
then to ask the Great Wizard's guidance for the ultimate answers. After
all; if he knows all Truth, he is going to guide us to it if we ask him.
But he won't force it on us."
"How do we know if he can hear us, or even that he exists if no one has
seen him?" the Lion said.
"Well," interceded the Tin Woodman, "from all that I've read, people
throughout history have heard him speak. But to be able to hear him, we
have to go into a very quiet state within ourselves every day, and learn
to communicate with him."
"How do we do that?" asked the Lion, still recalling the traditional
tale of Lurline.
"Well, I've been doing it for some time," said the Tin Woodman, "and
although I haven't actually heard a voice yet, I often receive answers
to my questions in symbolic form, which I am told is the language of the
soul."
"Can you describe it to us?" said the Lion.
"Of course," said the Tin Woodman. "But you know, we have talked here
for a long time. We really must get underway if we are to accomplish our
mission. I'll tell you what happened when we get to Colorland. We'll
stay overnight in the Yellow Belt and I'll explain everything."
"Why the Yellow Belt?" asked Dorothy.
"Well, the color vibration of yellow is very conductive to learning. The
Winkies always subconsciously knew this. In fact, when you take a test
at school, be sure to wear yellow and you'll do very well on your test."
"Really?" said Dorothy. "I must remember that."
"Now then, everybody up," said the Lion. "Let's be on our way. We can
take the Girrephalumps as far as Octapongland. After that we'll have to
walk."
With that, the Girrephalumps sat down so everyone could climb aboard.
The leading Girrephalump, who belonged to Dorothy, turned his head to
her as she climbed aboard and said, "Forgive me if I don't talk, but I
have a sore throat. Mind you, none of us care to talk much," he
continued. "We have such long and delicate throats that we have to take
the utmost care that we don't overdo things."
"That's quite all right," replied Dorothy. "I do hope you feel better soon."
"Oh, I shall. Don't worry," said the Girrephalump. "When I return from
this trip, I will take a short vacation. I can't take too long or I'll
get too far behind with my other work."
"What other work do you do?" asked Dorothy.
"Well," said the Girrephalump, "as I told you before, besides being part
of the main transportation system in Oz, we are required to change the
streetlight bulbs when they burn out, and to keep all the upstairs
windows clean. If we get too far behind, people can't see out of their
upstairs windows in the daytime; and when they're out at night they
can't see what they're doing, so it's important work that we do."
"It is indeed," said Dorothy. "How long will it be before we get to
Octapongland?" she asked.
"Well, I can see it in the distance already," said the Girrephalump.
"But it's still quite a way off. We'll probably be there by nightfall."
"Have you seen the Octapong before?" said Dorothy.
"Oh, I've seen them all right, answered the Girrephalump, 'course they
don't bother me, since I don't wear shoes."
"You see, the trouble is," he continued "their one shoe gets a lot of
wear and tear, clippity-clopping along all day, and production simply
can't keep up with demand."
"So they have to steal other people's shoes?" interceded Dorothy.
"That's just about it," said the Girrephalump.
"Well I think it's disgusting," the girl said angrily. "Why do people
have to go around stealing other people's things? How would they like it
if someone stole from them?"
"They probably wouldn't like it at all," said the Girrephalump.
"They should learn the Golden Rule," said Dorothy.
"What's the Golden Rule?" asked the Girrephalump.
"/Do unto others as you would have others do unto you/," she quoted.
"That's a good rule," said the Girrephalump.
"If everyone lived by it, no one would steal anything from anyone," said
Dorothy. And no one would hurt anyone either."
"That's amazing!" said the Girrephalump.
"What is?" said Dorothy.
"Why, if that one rule were practiced by everyone it would make the
mortal lands a beautiful place to live as well as to visit."
"It would indeed," said Dorothy. "If every single individual followed
that one simple rule, we could unlock all of our locks and throw all the
keys away."
"And you could melt down all of your guns," said the Girrephalump.
"Don't mortals understand that?"
"Oh, they understand all right," said Dorothy. "But many just don't want
to live by that rule."
"Perhaps if they were taught these things as children...."
"Some children don't want to live by that rule either," she replied.
"I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to," replied the Girrephalump.
"Think how happy they would all be -- with each mortal having nothing to
fear from another, just treating each other with kindness and respect.
Why, it would be heavenly. Don't your people want to be happy?"
"I'm sure everyone wants to be truly happy," said Dorothy. "But it's the
nature of some to find a twisted kind of happiness in hurting others.
Some even steal from others to get money to buy chemicals for their
mind, for example."
"Now I'm really confused," said the Girrephalump. "Chemicals for their
mind?"
"Yes," said Dorothy, realizing that she had more awareness of these
issues than would be considered strictly proper for a child of her age
and background. "You see," she continued, "if a person is unable to find
happiness within himself, or in his home, school, work or social
environment, he may try to buy some synthetic happiness in the form of
certain chemicals called drugs."
"Good gracious!" was all the Girrephalump could say.
"Yes, it's very sad," said Dorothy. "But the happiness they feel is not
true, so when the effects of the chemical wear off they feel even worse
than before. Then, in a desperate effort to feel better again, they take
even more chemicals. Of course, they are doomed to repeat the cycle over
and over. This causes great anguish -- not only for themselves -- but for
their family and friends."
"How frightening!" gasped the Girrephalump.
"Yes, it's an awful, awful thing," said Dorothy. "Now the chemical is
the master. It now directs the person's life. He or she has lost
control, and is now a slave to this new master. Not only that, some of
these chemicals can affect the brain in such a way as to cause the
person to do awful things to other people, or to themselves. At the very
least their personality becomes distorted: they can have terrible mood
swings, and their natural drive and creative ability severely
diminished. Sometimes seizures, or even death can occur."
"Can't anyone stop all this?" said the Girrephalump. "Why do people make
these chemicals and sell them?"
"For money," said Dorothy. "They love money so much, they don't care who
gets hurt."
"Thank goodness I don't have to live in your mortal lands," said the
Girrephalump.
"Well, it's not all bad," said Dorothy. "There are many kind and
wonderful people there -- like Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. It's just the few
that spoil things for the many."
"It still seems to me that the place to start is with the little
children," said the Girrephalump. "If mortals were taught kindness and
love and gentleness and understanding, and all of these things as
children, the world would be a very happy place when they grew up, and
they could teach their children the same things. Then, by the time they
grew up, all the bad adults would have died off."
"I'm afraid it's not that simple," said Dorothy. "Some parents are full
of hate and resentment, or show contempt for other races or creeds by
the way they talk. This all influences the children."
"Why can't the schools teach the children differently?"
"I'm sure they do their best," said Dorothy, "but they are busy teaching
reading, writing and arithmetic."
"Well, I don't see much hope," said the Girrephalump.
"Yes, mortals are sort of locked into their ways of thinking," said Dorothy.
"Perhaps when you get back to Kansas, you could write a book about your
experiences in Oz," said the Girrephalump. "Then children who read it
will know that there's a place where no one really hurts anyone. And
perhaps they will treat each other a lot better. And when they grow up
they will be loving and kind to one another too, so that your country
will be as happy a place as Oz."
"That's an excellent idea," said Dorothy, though she knew that she was
far too young to write a whole book by herself and would have to confide
in an adult for help.
"Well, here we are at Octapongland," said the Girrephalump. "My, I've
talked a lot," he said. "And do you know, my throat isn't sore."
"That's wonderful," replied Dorothy.
"I really enjoyed meeting you, Dorothy," he said. "I've learned a lot. I
hope I'll see you again soon."
Dorothy put her arms around his neck and kissed him. He sat down slowly
while Dorothy slid down his back to the ground.
"Now everyone stick close together," called out the lion, and walk
quickly. The Octapong are very sneaky, so be alert."
*
Chapter Eleven:
Octapongland
*
The entrance to Octapongland was a huge archway. An inscription over the
top read, "/Beware all ye who enter the land of the Octapong/." As they
passed under the archway, they became aware of a group of Octapong
children playing in the distance. As they approached, the Octapong
stopped their activity and turned to stare. Dorothy tried not to look at
them, although at the same time she was very curious. They were
certainly strange creatures, with their eight legs and only one shoe. As
they returned to their play, one could hear that shoe going
clippity-clop, clippity-clop.
Suddenly, Dorothy became aware of several adult Octapong gathering on
each side of them as they walked. The Tin Woodman said, "Perhaps we
should walk a little faster." As they did, the Octapong walked faster,
too. And each foot with the shoe came down in unison to make a deafening
crash on the ground. As Dorothy's group walked faster and faster, so did
the Octapong, until everyone was running like the wind.
Suddenly they all came to a screeching halt as a huge brick wall loomed
up in front of them. The brick wall stretched for miles right across
Octapongland. There was no way anyone could escape.
"SO!" roared one of the Octapong. He appeared to be their leader.
"Thought you could get away, eh? No one escapes the Octapong. You see,
my dears, with the help of our trapping wall here, and our little system
of running you into it, we are guaranteed a fresh supply of shoes every
time anyone crosses our land. Now, off with your shoes," he shouted.
"You're just a bunch of thieves!" said Dorothy angrily.
"We're /not/ thieves," said the leader of the Octapong." Are we, Boys?"
"NO!" they all called out together.
"There," said their leader. "You see?"
"Well what do you call it?" said Dorothy. "Taking people's property
without their consent?"
"Let's call it a toll for the use of our land."
"You don't have any signs posted," said Dorothy. "So that makes it
stealing."
"I'm beginning to lose my patience with you, little girl," said the
leader. "Now give me your shoes. You, too," he said to the Scarecrow.
"Now look here," said the Lion. "Stop pushing my friends around. Who do
you think you are?"
"Who are you?" asked the Octapong leader.
"I'm King of the Beasts," said the Lion defiantly.
"Well I'm King of the Octapong," said the leader.
"Is that so?" said the Lion, gearing up for a fight.
"Yes, that's so," said the Octapong.
"Well," said the Lion.
"Well what?" said the Octapong.
"Nothing," snarled the Lion. "Just well."
"What's the use of a well without a bucket?" said the Octapong.
"What?" said the Lion.
"I said, what's the use of a well without a bucket?" he shouted.
"A well without a -- ho-ha bucket ... a ho-ho bucket," roared the Lion
with laughter. "That's very funny!"
"Do you think so?" said the Octapong.
"Yes, I do," said the Lion.
"Well thank you," said the Octapong appreciatively. "You know, we've
been a little hasty; you seem like nice people, and we have a very good
stock of shoes on hand right now. We'll let you go this time."
"Why thank you," said the Lion. "You're very kind."
"Don't mention it," said the Octapong. And with that, he walked over to
the wall and said "You may go through." Everyone looked at each other
with a puzzled expression.
"But there's no door," said Dorothy.
"Not necessary," responded the Octapong.
"Well, how do we go through?" said the Lion.
"You just walk through," said the Octapong.
They all stood there looking more puzzled than ever.
"Like this," said the Octapong as he walked into the wall and disappeared.
"Did you see that?" said the Tin Woodman.
Just then, the Octapong returned to view, having walked back through the
wall again.
"How did you do that?" asked the Lion.
"Why, it's easy," replied the Octapong. "This wall is made with special
bricks. You see, all matter is made of atoms, which are tiny particles
of electricity. There are very large spaces between these atoms even
though the material appears solid. We have magnetized the atoms in these
bricks in such a way that they push away the atoms of any other material
that comes in contact with them. So when the atoms of your body come
close to the atoms in the bricks, they just step aside so to speak and
slide through the empty spaces. It's quite simple, really. And it works
very well. So well, in fact, that not one person has ever tried to walk
through that wall. They all believe the wall to be solid -- so for them,
it is."
"Why that's incredible," said Dorothy.
"Now be off with you," said the Octapong. "Before we change our minds."
Dorothy gingerly touched her shoe against the wall and, sure enough, the
toe of her shoe disappeared into the wall. With that, they all walked
into the wall and disappeared. As they reappeared on the other side of
the wall, Dorothy remarked on the strange sensation. "Aunt Em will never
believe this!" She would be repeating these words many times during her
journey through Oz.
The border of Octapongland was just a short distance away, and they all
breathed a sigh of relief when they reached it. After they crossed the
border, they all sat down to discuss the situation.
"That was quite an experience," declared the Tin Woodman.
"Indeed it was," answered the Scarecrow. "The Lion was the one who saved
us."
"He certainly did," replied Dorothy. "And we're all very proud of you,"
she said, turning to the Lion.
"Well, quite truthfully," said the Lion, "I didn't feel all that brave
inside."
"But you had the courage to defend us," said the Tin Woodman. "And
that's the important thing. Besides, you got us out of the situation,
didn't you?"
"I hope we don't have to return this way," replied the Lion. "I don't
think I could pull it off again."
"Let's look at the map," said Dorothy. The Tin Woodman opened the little
door in his side, pulled out the map, and spread it out on the ground.
"Let's see," said the girl. "We're here," she added, pointing her finger
to the border between Octapongland and Colorland. "Why don't we stay
here overnight," she said, "and get an early start in the morning?"
"That's fine with me," yawned the Lion.
Dorothy walked down to a little stream close by and sat down on its
grassy bank. Little wildflowers were everywhere, and the crystal-clear
water bubbled with life as it cascaded into a miniature waterfall. She
cupped her hands together, dipped them into the water, and took a long,
cool drink. Mmmm, the water tasted so good. As she sat, she studied the
little flowers, their delicate, tiny petals were in perfect symmetry;
each tinted with the colors of the rainbow. The colors were just
breathtaking! So rich, so vibrant, so alive. She noticed a rose in bud,
and gently touched it and wished that it would bloom. As she did, little
blue sparks appeared at her fingertips and, ever so slowly, the bud
unfolded to reveal the most beautiful rose she had ever seen. She lay
back on the ground, closed her eyes, and listened to the water bubbling
and splashing. She concentrated on the delicate fragrances of the
flowers, and the sweet smell of the grass. She could hear birds chirping
away happily in the distance. A beautiful feeling came over her: a peace
she had never known before. She became one with nature. She knew that
all mankind, all nature, was one as she fell asleep.
*
Chapter Twelve:
The Fuzzy Yellow Wogglebugs
*
Dorothy was awakened by a cold wet nose nuzzling her arm. She heard a
voice say, "Move over please, move over." The nose and the voice
belonged to a round, bright yellow furry ball with huge round dark brown
liquid eyes.
"Who are you?" inquired Dorothy.