It looks as if no one had passed through in many years." "Looks are deceiving," declared the Shaggy Man, laughing at their disappointed faces, "and this barrier is the most deceiving thing in all Oz." "It prevents our going any farther, anyhow," said Scraps.

"There is no one to mind the gate and let people through, and we've no key to the padlock." "True," replied Ojo, going a little nearer to peep through the bars of the gate.

"What shall we do, Shaggy Man?
If we had wings we might fly over the wall, but we cannot climb it and unless we get to the Emerald City I won't be able to find the things to restore Unc Nunkie to life." "All very true," answered the Shaggy Man, quietly; "but I know this gate, having passed through it many times." "How ?" they all eagerly inquired.
"I'll show you how," said he.

He stood Ojo in the middle of the road and placed Scraps just behind him, with her padded hands on his shoulders.

After the Patchwork Girl came the Woozy, who held a part of her skirt in his mouth.