Chapter 22. The Country of the Quadlings

The four friends safely crossed the remaining forest. After exiting its darkness, they spotted a steep, rocky hill.

"Looks like a tough climb," said the Scarecrow, "but we still need to get over the hill."

So he led, and the others followed. As they neared the first rock, a gruff voice yelled, "Stay back!"

"Who are you?" the Scarecrow asked.

A head popped over the rock. "This hill is ours. No crossing allowed."

"But we have to cross," said the Scarecrow. "We're going to Quadling country."

"No way!" came the response. Then, a strange man emerged from behind the rock.

He was short and fat, with a large, flat-topped head resting on a wrinkled, thick neck. But he had no arms. Seeing this, the Scarecrow wasn't scared. He doubted such a helpless creature could stop them.

"I'm sorry," he said, "but we're crossing your hill, like it or not." And he moved forward bravely.

The man's head shot forward in a flash, his neck stretching out. The flat top of his head hit the Scarecrow in the middle, sending him tumbling down the hill. The head snapped back to the body as fast as it came, and the man harshly laughed, "Not so simple, huh?"

Loud laughter echoed from the other rocks. Dorothy saw hundreds of these armless Hammer-Heads behind every rock on the hillside.

The Lion got mad hearing the laughter at Scarecrow's accident. He roared loudly, bouncing like thunder, and charged up the hill.

Again, a head shot out fast. The mighty Lion was sent rolling down the hill as if hit by a cannonball.

Dorothy rushed down to help the Scarecrow up. The Lion approached her, feeling sore and bruised. He said, "We can't beat those head-shooters."

"What should we do?" she asked.

"Call the Winged Monkeys," suggested the Tin Woodman. "You can still command them once."

"Alright," she replied. She put on the Golden Cap and spoke the magic words. The Monkeys showed up promptly. Soon, the whole group stood before her.

"What do you need?" asked the Monkey King, bowing.

"Take us over the hill to Quadling country," the girl answered.

"As you wish," said the King. The Winged Monkeys grabbed the four travelers and Toto and flew off. As they flew over the hill, the Hammer-Heads yelled in frustration and shot their heads high. But they couldn't reach the Monkeys. They safely flew Dorothy and her friends over the hill into the beautiful land of the Quadlings.

"This is the last time you can call us," the leader told Dorothy. "So, goodbye and good luck."

"Goodbye, and thank you very much," replied the girl. The Monkeys soared up and vanished in a flash.

Quadling country seemed prosperous and happy. Fields of ripe grain were everywhere, with well-paved roads and charming streams with sturdy bridges. Fences, houses, and bridges were all bright red, like the yellow in Winkie country and the blue in Munchkin country. The Quadlings, who were short, fat, and cheerful-looking, wore red clothes. The red stood out against the green grass and yellow grain.

The Monkeys had placed them near a farmhouse. The four friends walked up and knocked. The farmer's wife opened the door. When Dorothy asked for food, the woman served them a good meal with different kinds of cake, cookies, and a bowl of milk for Toto.

"How far is Glinda's Castle?" Dorothy asked.

"Not far," replied the farmer's wife. "Follow the road to the South, and you'll get there."

After thanking the woman, they set off again. They walked by fields and bridges until they saw a beautiful Castle. Three young girls in fancy red and gold uniforms stood at the gates. As Dorothy got closer, one of them asked:

"Why are you in the South Country?"

"To meet the Good Witch who rules here," she replied. "Can you take me to her?"

"Give me your name, and I'll check if Glinda will see you." They introduced themselves, and the girl soldier went into the Castle. After a short while, she returned to tell them they were allowed in immediately.