www.freeclassicebooks.com

would be able to destroy Ozma's domain. Were they not the strongest

people in all the world?

The deadly desert has kept us out of Oz before," remarked the Grand

Gallipoot, "but now that the Nome King is building a tunnel we shall get

into the Emerald City very easily. So let us send the little fat General

back to his King with our promise to assist him. We will not say that we

intend to conquer the Nomes after we have conquered Oz, but we will do

so, just the same."

This plan being agreed upon, they all went home to dinner, leaving

General Guph still in prison. The Nome had no idea that he had

succeeded in his mission, for finding himself in prison he feared the

Growleywogs intended to put him to death.

By this time the jailer had tired of sticking pins in the General, and was

amusing himself by carefully pulling the Nome's whiskers out by the

roots, one at a time. This enjoyment was interrupted by the Grand

Gallipoot sending for the prisoner.

Wait a few hours," begged the jailer. "I haven't pulled out a quarter of

his whiskers yet."

If you keep the Grand Gallipoot waiting, he'll break your back," declared

the messenger.

Perhaps you're right," sighed the jailer. "Take the prisoner away, if you

will, but I advise you to kick him at every step he takes. It will be good

fun, for he is as soft as a ripe peach."

So Guph was led away to the royal castle, where the Grand Gallipoot told

him that the Growleywogs had decided to assist the Nomes in conquering

the Land of Oz.

Whenever you are ready," he added, "send me word and I will march

with eighteen thousand of my most powerful warriors to your aid."

Guph was so delighted that he forgot all the smarting caused by the pins

and the pulling of whiskers. He did not even complain of the treatment

he had received, but thanked the Grand Gallipoot and hurried away

upon his journey.

The Emerald City of Oz