So the only way to avoid a terrible battle was to explain the joke so they could understand it.
"All right," replied Diksey, who seemed a good-natured man; "I'll go at once to the fence and explain.

I don't want any war with the Hoppers, for wars between nations always cause hard feelings." So the Chief and Diksey and Scraps left the house and went back to the marble picket fence.

The Scarecrow was still stuck on the top of his picket but had now ceased to struggle.

On the other side of the fence were Dorothy and Ojo, looking between the pickets; and there, also, were the Champion and many other Hoppers.
Diksey went close to the fence and said: "My good Hoppers, I wish to explain that what I said about you was a joke.

You have but one leg each, and we have two legs each.