"Never mind," neighed High Boy. "We'll be in the Emerald City in time for tea and there's a village just ahead. Maybe they'll have some fresh cake or buns." Stretching up his long legs, High Boy looked over the walls of the little town at the next turn of the road. It seemed entirely deserted and all the houses had shuttered windows and tightly locked doors. Dropping down to regular horse size, High Boy trotted up to the wooden door in the wall and butted his head three times against the panels.
For a moment there was absolute silence, and then a muffled voice called out crossly: "Can't you read?"
"It says 'Keep Out!'" whispered Trot, leaning over so she could read the sign nailed on the door.
"Can't you let us in?" bellowed High Boy, beginning to stamp with impatience at the delay. "We're in a hurry and have to go through this town. Let us in, do you hear?"
"I hear!" shouted the voice defiantly, "But I'll not let you in. I'm the Out Keeper."
"Hah, hah!" roared the Scarecrow. "I've often heard of an Inn Keeper but never an Out Keeper. Come out, Keeper, and let's have a look at you!"
Almost instantly the top section of the door flew open and the upper half and head of the Out Keeper appeared.
"Help!" gasped Trot, clutching the medicine man. And no wonder!
