Chapter 6. The Cowardly Lion

Dorothy and her friends had been walking in the thick woods. The road was still paved with yellow bricks. However, these bricks were covered by dried branches and dead leaves. Walking here was not good at all.

There were few birds in this part of the forest. Birds like open places where there's plenty of sunlight. Yet, sometimes, a deep growl came from a wild animal hidden among the trees. These sounds made Dorothy's heart race, as she didn't know what made them. But Toto did, and he walked right beside Dorothy, not barking back.

Dorothy asked the Tin Woodman, "How long before we're out of the forest?"

The Woodman said, "I can't tell. I've never been to the Emerald City. My father went once and said it was a long, dangerous trip. But the area close to the city where Oz lives is beautiful. I'm not afraid as long as I have my oil can. The Scarecrow can't be hurt, and the Good Witch's kiss on your forehead will protect you."

"But what about Toto?" Dorothy asked with concern.

"We'll have to protect him if he's in danger," the Woodman answered.

Just then, a terrible roar sounded from the forest. A great Lion jumped onto the road. He sent the Scarecrow spinning off the road with a paw swipe. Then he clawed at the Tin Woodman, but his claws couldn't damage the tin. The Woodman fell on the road and lay there, motionless.

Toto, seeing the enemy, ran barking towards the Lion. The mighty beast opened his mouth, ready to bite the dog. But, fearing for Toto, Dorothy ran forward and slapped the Lion's nose. She cried, "Don't you dare bite Toto! You should be ashamed, a big beast like you, biting a little dog!"

"I didn't bite him," the Lion said, rubbing his nose with his paw. Dorothy had struck him there.

"But you tried to," she replied. "You're just a big coward."

"I know it," admitted the Lion, lowering his head head in shame. "I've always known. But what can I do?"

"I have no idea," Dorothy replied. "How could you hit a stuffed man like poor Scarecrow?"

"Is he stuffed?" the Lion asked in surprise. He watched how Dorothy picked up the Scarecrow and placed him back on his feet. She then gently patted the Scarecrow to restore his shape.

"Yes, he's stuffed," Dorothy said, still upset.

"That explains why he toppled over so easily," the Lion noted. "I was surprised to see him spin around. Is the other one stuffed too?"

"No," Dorothy said. "He's made of tin." She helped the Tin Woodman stand up.

"That's why my claws almost dulled," the Lion said. "Scratching the tin sent shivers down my spine. What's that small creature that you like so much?"

"He's my dog, Toto," Dorothy replied.

"Is he made of tin or stuffed?" the Lion asked.

"Neither. He's a--a--a meat dog," said the girl.

"He's a curious animal and looks really small when I see him up close," the Lion observed. "No one would bite such a little creature except a coward like me," continued the Lion sadly.

"Why are you a coward?" Dorothy asked. She stared at the big Lion in amazement because it was as large as a small horse.

"It's a mystery," the Lion responded. "I think I was born this way. All other forest animals expect me to be brave. Everybody considers the Lion the King of Beasts. I discovered that a loud roar scares all creatures away. I've always been terrified when I've encountered a man. However, I roared at him, and he always fled as fast as he could. I'd have run if elephants, tigers, or bears tried to fight me. I'm such a coward. But they all flee as soon as they hear my roar, and I always let them go."

"But that isn't right. The King of Beasts shouldn't be a coward," the Scarecrow declared.

"I know," the Lion replied, wiping away a tear with the tip of his tail. "It brings great sorrow and makes my life unhappy. When there's danger, my heart beats fast."

"Maybe you have heart disease," suggested the Tin Woodman.

"It could be," the Lion conceded.

"If so, you should be glad," the Woodman said. "It means you have a heart. Unlike me, I don't have one, so I can't have heart disease."

"Perhaps if I had no heart, I wouldn't be a coward," said the Lion thoughtfully.

"Do you have brains?" the Scarecrow inquired.

"I guess so," the Lion responded. "I've never checked."

"I'm going to ask the Great Oz for some brains," the Scarecrow announced. "My head is filled with straw."

"I'll ask him for a heart," said the Woodman.

"I'll ask him to send Toto and me back to Kansas," added Dorothy.

"Do you think Oz could give me courage?" the Cowardly Lion asked.

"As easily as he could give me brains," the Scarecrow answered.

"Or give me a heart," said the Tin Woodman.

"Or send me back to Kansas," said Dorothy.

"Then, if it's alright with you, I'll join you," the Lion decided. "I can't bear my life without some courage."

"You're welcome to join," Dorothy said warmly. "You'll help keep other wild beasts away. They must be more cowardly than you if they're scared of you."

"They really are," admitted the Lion. "but it doesn't make me braver, and knowing I'm a coward makes me unhappy."

And so, once again, the small group continued their journey. The Lion walked at Dorothy's side with dignified strides. Toto was initially wary of the new companion, remembering the Lion's massive jaws. However, over time, he relaxed, and Toto and the Lion eventually became good friends.

The rest of the day passed without any more adventures disturbing their journey. The Tin Woodman accidentally stepped on a beetle on the road, killing it. This made him very unhappy because he always tried not to hurt any creature. He shed a few tears of sorrow and regret as he walked.

His tears rolled slowly down his face and over his jaw hinges, causing them to rust. When Dorothy asked him something, he couldn't respond. His jaws were rusted shut. He became terrified and tried to signal Dorothy to help him, but she didn't understand. The Lion was also confused about what was wrong.

But the Scarecrow took the oil can from Dorothy's basket. He oiled the Woodman's jaws. In a few moments, the Woodman was able to talk again.

"This will teach me to watch my step," he said. "If I kill another bug, I might cry, which would rust my jaws. After that, I would not be able to speak."

He walked very carefully afterward, keeping his eyes on the road. When he saw a tiny ant, he would step over it to avoid hurting it. The Tin Woodman knew he didn't have a heart. Because of this, he tried never to be cruel or unkind to anything.

"You people with hearts have a guide and won't do wrong," he said. "I don't have a heart, so I must be extra careful. When Oz gives me a heart, I won't have to worry so much."