The Magic of Oz

CHAPTER 3. Two Bad Ones

Kiki turned around and saw a queer old man standing near. He didn't

stand straight, for he was crooked. He had a fat body and thin legs and

arms. He had a big, round face with bushy, white whiskers that came to a

point below his waist, and white hair that came to a point on top of his

head. He wore dull-gray clothes that were tight fitting, and his pockets

were all bunched out as if stuffed full of something.

I didn't know you were here," said Kiki.

I didn't come until after you did," said the queer old man.

Who are you?" asked Kiki.

My name's Ruggedo. I used to be the Nome King; but I got kicked

out of my country, and now I'm a wanderer."

What made them kick you out?" inquired the Hyup boy.

Well, it's the fashion to kick kings nowadays. I was a pretty good

King--to myself--but those dreadful Oz people wouldn't let me alone. So I

had to abdicate."

What does that mean?"

It means to be kicked out. But let's talk about something pleasant.

Who are you and where did you come from?"

I'm called Kiki Aru. I used to live on Mount Munch in the Land of Oz,

but now I'm a wanderer like yourself."

The Nome King gave him a shrewd look.

I heard that bird say that you transformed yourself into a magpie and

back again. Is that true?"

Kiki hesitated, but saw no reason to deny it. He felt that it would make

him appear more important.

Well--yes," he said.

Then you're a wizard?"

No; I only understand transformations," he admitted.

Well, that's pretty good magic, anyhow," declared old Ruggedo. "I

used to have some very fine magic, myself, but my enemies took it all