(Children whisper together during this conversation. Brownies gesticulate as if giving directions. All nod their heads in consent, and approach Dismal Dumps.)
Children and Brownies (singing; tune, “Maryland, My Maryland”).
Listen to the children’s plea,
Dismal Dumps, O Dismal Dumps!
If you’d go and leave us free,—
Dismal Dumps, O Dismal Dumps,—
We would be so very good,
Learn our lessons as we should,
We’d surprise you; yes, we would,
Dismal Dumps, O Dismal Dumps!
But before you leave the land,
Dismal Dumps, O Dismal Dumps,
If you’d kindly understand,
Dismal Dumps, O Dismal Dumps,
Please give back the treasure-key;
Set the Sunshine Fairies free!
We would, O so grateful be,
Dismal Dumps, O Dismal Dumps!
Dismal Dumps (haughtily, folding his arms). What impertinent nonsense is this? Actually asking for the key to the Sunshine-Box! I’d laugh at the very idea, if it weren’t against my principles ever to laugh at all, or even smile. Bugaboo, what do you think of this ridiculous idea? They want us to give up the key!
Bugaboo Man (laughing loudly). Ha! ha! ha! ho! ho! ho! As if we would give it up!
Dismal Dumps. There, you young rascals, you have your answer. But you never will have the key!
(Dorothy begins to cry, and goes slowly out, left, Avis and Carol with her, trying to console her. Dismal Dumps and Bugaboo converse confidentially, right. Boys and Brownies consult, left).
Brownies (coming forward and then towards left, singing; tune, “Jingle Bells.”)