L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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eyeing the intruder. "Don't you know you are guilty of treason, and that
there is a law against treason?"
"The throne belongs to whoever is able to take it," answered Jinjur,
as she slowly ate another caramel. "I have taken it, as you see; so just
now I am the Queen, and all who oppose me are guilty of treason, and must
be punished by the law you have just mentioned."
This view of the case puzzled the Scarecrow.
"How is it, friend Nick?" he asked, turning to the Tin Woodman.
"Why, when it comes to Law, I have nothing to, say" answered that
personage. "for laws were never meant to be understood, and it is foolish
to make the attempt."
"Then what shall we do?" asked the Scarecrow, in dismay.
"Why don't you marry the Queen? And then you can both rule,"
suggested the Woggle-Bug.
Jinjur glared at the insect fiercely. "Why don't you send her back to
her mother, where she belongs?" asked Jack Pumpkinhead.
Jinjur frowned.
"Why don't you shut her up in a closet until she behaves herself, and
promises to be good?" enquired Tip. Jinjur's lip curled scornfully.
"Or give her a good shaking!" added the Saw-Horse.
"No," said the Tin Woodman, "we must treat the poor girl with
gentleness. Let us give her all the Jewels she can carry, and send her
away happy and contented."
At this Queen Jinjur laughed aloud, and the next minute clapped her
pretty hands together thrice, as if for a signal.
"You are very absurd creatures," said she; "but I am tired of your
nonsense and have no time to bother with you longer."
While the monarch and his friends listened in amazement to this
impudent speech, a startling thing happened. The Tin Woodman's axe was
snatched from his grasp by some person behind him, and he found himself