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Chapter XXII The Country of the Quadlings The four travelers passed through the rest of the forest in safety , and when they came out from its gloom saw before them a steep hill , covered from top to bottom with great pieces of rock . “ That will be a hard climb , ” said the Scarecrow , “ but we must get over the hill , nevertheless . ” So he led the way and the others followed . They had nearly reached the first rock when they heard a rough voice cry out , “ Keep back ! ” “ Who are you ? ” asked the Scarecrow . Then a head showed itself over the rock and the same voice said , “ This hill belongs to us , and we don’t allow anyone to cross it . ” “ But we must cross it , ” said the Scarecrow . “ We’re going to the country of the Quadlings . ” “ But you shall not ! ” replied the voice , and there stepped from behind the rock the strangest man the travelers had ever seen . He was quite short and stout and had a big head , which was flat at the top and supported by a thick neck full of wrinkles . But he had no arms at all , and , seeing this , the Scarecrow did not fear that so helpless a creature could prevent them from climbing the hill . So he said , “ I’m sorry not to do as you wish , but we must pass over your hill whether you like it or not , ” and he walked boldly forward . As quick as lightning the man’s head shot forward and his neck stretched out until the top of the head , where it was flat , struck the Scarecrow in the middle and sent him tumbling , over and over , down the hill . Almost as quickly as it came the head went back to the body , and the man laughed harshly as he said , “ It isn’t as easy as you think ! ” A chorus of boisterous laughter came from the other rocks , and Dorothy saw hundreds of the armless Hammer - Heads upon the hillside , one behind every rock . The Lion became quite angry at the laughter caused by the Scarecrow’s mishap , and giving a loud roar that echoed like thunder , he dashed up the hill . Again a head shot swiftly out , and the great Lion went rolling down the hill as if he had been struck by a cannon ball . Dorothy ran down and helped the Scarecrow to his feet , and the Lion came up to her , feeling rather bruised and sore , and said , “ It is useless to fight people with shooting heads ; no one can withstand them . ” “ What can we do , then ? ” she asked . “ Call the Winged Monkeys , ” suggested the Tin Woodman . “ You have still the right to command them once more . ” “ Very well , ” she answered , and putting on the Golden Cap she uttered the magic words . The Monkeys were as prompt as ever , and in a few moments the entire band stood before her .
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