Raft

The Raft is a makeshift vessel built by the Tin Woodman to carry Dorothy and her companions across the Great River, a crucial crossing that goes awry when the current sweeps them off course, separates the Scarecrow from the group, and forces the party to rely on the Cowardly Lion's swimming and the Stork's rescue.

Construction and Purpose

The Raft was conceived by the Scarecrow as the solution to the broad, swiftly flowing river that blocked the travelers' path to the Emerald City. "The Tin Woodman must build us a raft, so we can float to the other side," he declared. The Tin Woodman immediately set to work, chopping down small trees with his axe. While he labored, the Scarecrow found a tree full of fine fruit on the riverbank, which provided a hearty meal for Dorothy, who had eaten nothing but nuts all day. The work took time, and by nightfall the Raft was not yet finished, so the party camped under the trees and slept until morning. The next day, the Tin Woodman cut a few more logs and fastened them together with wooden pins, completing the Raft.

The Crossing and the Scarecrow's Separation

Dorothy sat in the middle of the Raft holding Toto in her arms. When the Cowardly Lion stepped aboard, the Raft tipped badly under his weight, but the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman stood on the opposite end to steady it, using long poles to push the Raft through the water. They made good progress at first, but upon reaching the middle of the river, the swift current seized the Raft and swept it downstream, far from the road of yellow brick. The water grew so deep that the long poles could no longer touch the bottom. The Tin Woodman warned that if they could not reach land, they would be carried into the country of the Wicked Witch of the West, who would enchant them and make them slaves. The Scarecrow pushed so hard on his pole that it stuck fast in the mud at the bottom of the river. Before he could pull it out or let go, the Raft was swept away, leaving him clinging to the pole in the middle of the river. The Tin Woodman began to cry at the loss of his friend, but remembered he might rust and dried his tears on Dorothy's apron.

Rescue and Aftermath

The Raft continued downstream, leaving the Scarecrow far behind. The Cowardly Lion then sprang into the water, and the Tin Woodman caught hold of his tail. The Lion swam with all his might toward the shore, pulling the Raft after him. Dorothy took the Tin Woodman's long pole and helped push the Raft to land. They stepped off onto the pretty green grass, exhausted, and realized the current had carried them a long way past the road of yellow brick. They walked along the riverbank until they spotted the Scarecrow still perched on his pole in the middle of the water. A Stork, seeing their distress, offered to help. Dorothy explained that the Scarecrow was stuffed with straw and therefore light. The Stork flew over, grabbed the Scarecrow by the arm with her great claws, and carried him back to the bank. The Scarecrow was so happy to be reunited with his friends that he hugged them all, even the Lion and Toto, and sang "Tol-de-ri-de-oh!" as they walked along.