Crossing the River on the Raft

The travelers reach a broad, swift river. The Tin Woodman builds a raft, and they set off. In midstream, the current sweeps them away, and the Scarecrow's pole gets stuck in the mud, leaving him clinging to it as the raft drifts on. The Lion swims to shore, pulling the raft, and they land far from the yellow brick road. They walk along the riverbank and spot the Scarecrow still stranded on his pole. A Stork, at Dorothy's request, flies out and carries the Scarecrow back to safety. The Stork then departs. This event introduces the first major setback and the theme of rescue.