Through the Tunnel It didn't rain just then, although the clouds in the sky grew thicker and more threatening.

Polychrome hoped for a thunder-storm, followed by her Rainbow, but the two tin men did not relish the idea of getting wet.

They even preferred to remain in Nimmie Amee's house, although they felt they were not welcome there, rather than go out and face the coming storm.

But the Scarecrow, who was a very thoughtful person, said to his friends: "If we remain here until after the storm, and Polychrome goes away on her Rainbow, then we will be prisoners inside the Wall of Solid Air; so it seems best to start upon our return journey at once.

If I get wet, my straw stuffing will be ruined, and if you two tin gentlemen get wet, you may perhaps rust again, and become useless.