The train groaned and shook and picked up speed. Mr. Hickory lagged behind. I felt the urge to call to him but found I couldn’t push the words out of my mouth. I wanted to yell at him for putting me on this stupid train, making me more scared than I’d ever been in my life. But also to tell him thanks. He hadn’t quit on me. The only one in my entire life except Melissa.
The Tin Man was always my favorite character on The Wizard of Oz, which is perhaps why Mr. Hickory receives a more positive reception than any of the other characters in this book. How often do we love without even realizing it?
