"Who dug you up," roared the Cowardly Lion, "and how is it you are alive?"
"A wizard named Wam dug me up," explained Crunch in his scratchy voice, "and brought me to life with a shaker of magic powder. I tried to thank him, but he ran away before I could catch him, so I've stood around ever since trying to find out what one does with a life."
"Great Grandfathers!" choked the clown. "Fancy being alive for centuries and not knowing what to do. Why, there are hundreds of things to interest you, especially in a magic country like Oz. You could travel, and help other folks not so strong as yourself. You could offer your services to the Queen, or even build a city!"
"Could I?" gasped Crunch. He stared off into space as if he saw himself doing all these things, and the idea was almost too amazing to believe. Then, bringing his stone heels together with a click, he announced determinedly, "I'll do it! I'll travel, I'll help people, I'll see the Queen and build a city!"
"Hurrah!" cried Notta. "That's the way to talk. And since we are traveling, why not join us?" Crunch, he decided, might prove useful in a battle.
"Can I walk beside him?" asked the Stone Man, pointing at the Cowardly Lion.
"If you're steady on your pins," rumbled the Cowardly Lion, "and promise not to fall on me."
"Where does the Queen of this country live?" asked Crunch, after he had promised not to fall on the Cowardly Lion.
"In the Emerald City," piped up Bob, who had been listening to the Stone Man's conversation with deep interest.