"Is anything the matter, Dorothy?" asked the Lion.
"Well, I am somewhat concerned," replied the girl. "The Wicked Witch of the Deep South is a mean one. There's no telling what she might do to everyone because of me."
"Now don't fret so, Dorothy," the Lion replied. "She's not going to frighten us into deserting you. We'll stick by you through thick and thin."
"Thick and thin what?" said the Scarecrow, genuinely curious.
"It's just an expression," said the Tin Woodman, giving him a nudge.
"Oh!" responded the Scarecrow. "Oh, yes."
"We won't let that old witch get us down, Dorothy," said the Tin Woodman, patting her on the back.
"No indeed!" echoed the Scarecrow. "Don't you worry your pretty little head, Dorothy."
"Well, I know you're tired," said the Lion. "Let's turn in. Everything will look a lot brighter in the morning. We'll discuss our plans right after breakfast."
The Lion brought out some more cushions and blankets. He ordered six leopards and six tigers to stand guard around the camp. The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow stood by Dorothy's bed (they always stood guard at night because they don't need any sleep themselves).