The Magic of Oz

Kiki looked up and saw that a sparrow, perched upon a branch, was

watching him.

Sorry for what?" he demanded.

Oh, I saw the whole thing," asserted the sparrow. "I saw you look in

the window at the gold, and then make yourself into a magpie and rob the

poor man, and then I saw you fly here and make the bird into your former

shape. That's magic, and magic is wicked and unlawful; and you stole

money, and that's a still greater crime. You'll be sorry, some day."

I don't care," replied Kiki Aru, scowling.

Aren't you afraid to be wicked?" asked the sparrow.

No, I didn't know I was being wicked," said Kiki, "but if I was, I'm

glad of it. I hate good people. I've always wanted to be wicked, but I didn't

know how."

Haw, haw, haw!" laughed someone behind him, in a big voice; "that's

the proper spirit, my lad! I'm glad I've met you; shake hands."

The sparrow gave a frightened squeak and flew away.