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This Guph was really a clever rascal, and it seems a pity he was so bad,

for in a good cause he might have accomplished much. He realized that

he had put himself into a dangerous position by coming to this dreadful

mountain, but he also knew that if he showed fear he was lost. So he

adopted a bold manner as his best defense. The wisdom of this plan was

soon evident, for the Phanfasm with the owl's head turned and led the

way up the mountain.

At the very top was a level plain upon which were heaps of rock that at

first glance seemed solid. But on looking closer Guph discovered that

these rock heaps were dwellings, for each had an opening.

Not a person was to be seen outside the rock huts. All was silent.

The owl-man led the way among the groups of dwellings to one standing

in the center. It seemed no better and no worse than any of the others.

Outside the entrance to this rock heap the guide gave a low wail that

sounded like "Lee-ow-ah!"

Suddenly there bounded from the opening another hairy man. This one

wore the head of a bear. In his hand he bore a brass hoop. He glared at

the stranger in evident surprise.

Why have you captured this foolish wanderer and brought him here?" he

demanded, addressing the owl-man.

I did not capture him," was the answer. "He passed the scarlet alligator

and came here of his own free will and accord."

The First and Foremost looked at the General.

Have you tired of life, then?" he asked.

No indeed," answered Guph. "I am a Nome, and the Chief General of

King Roquat the Red's great army of Nomes. I come of a long-lived race,

and I may say that I expect to live a long time yet. Sit down, you

Phanfasms--if you can find a seat in this wild haunt--and listen to what I

have to say."

With all his knowledge and bravery General Guph did not know that the

steady glare from the bear eyes was reading his inmost thoughts as

surely as if they had been put into words. He did not know that these

despised rock heaps of the Phanfasms were merely deceptions to his own

The Emerald City of Oz