"I must certainly get to the Emerald City," he said to the boatman; "but how
can I cross the river if you do not take me?"

The man laughed, and it was not a nice laugh.

"That wooden horse will float," said he; "and



61               Line-Art Drawing

you can ride him across. As for the pumpkinheaded loon who accompanies you,
let him sink or swim it won't matter greatly which."

"Don't worry about me," said Jack, smiling pleasantly upon the crabbed
ferryman; "I'm sure I ought to float beautifully."

Tip thought the experiment was worth making, and the Saw-Horse, who did not
know what danger meant, offered no objections whatever. So the boy led it
down into the water and climbed upon its back. Jack also waded in up to his
knees and



grasped the tail of the horse so that he might keep his pumpkin head above
the water.

"Now," said Tip, instructing the Saw-Horse, "if you wiggle your legs you
will probably swim; and if you swim we shall probably reach the other side."