The Magic of Oz

that the people of Oz are about to make war upon them and enslave them,

so that they will become beasts of burden forever after and obey only the

will of their two-legged masters."

A low roar of anger arose from the Council of Beasts.

WHO'S going to do that?" asked Loo the Unicorn, in a high, squeaky

voice, at the same time rising to his feet.

The people of Oz," said Ruggedo.

But what will WE be doing?" inquired the Unicorn.

That's what I've come to talk to you about."

You needn't talk! We'll fight the Oz people!" screamed the Unicorn.

We'll smash 'em; we'll trample 'em; we'll gore 'em; we'll--"

"Silence!" growled Gugu the King, and Loo obeyed, although still

trembling with wrath. The cold, steady gaze of the Leopard wandered over

the two strange beasts. "The people of Oz," said he, "have not been our

friends; they have not been our enemies. They have let us alone, and we

have let them alone. There is no reason for war between us. They have no

slaves. They could not use us as slaves if they should conquer us. I think

you are telling us lies, you strange Li-Mon-Eag--you mixed-up beast who

are neither one thing nor another."

Oh, on my word, it's the truth!" protested the Nome in the beast's

shape. "I wouldn't lie for the world; I--"

Silence!" again growled Gugu the King; and somehow, even Ruggedo

was abashed and obeyed the edict.

What do you say, Bru?" asked the King, turning to the great Bear,

who had until now said nothing.

How does the Mixed Beast know that what he says is true?" asked the

Bear.

Why, I can fly, you know, having the wings of an Eagle," explained

the Nome. "I and my comrade yonder," turning to Kiki, "flew to a grove in

Oz, and there we heard the people telling how they will make many ropes

to snare you beasts, and then they will surround this forest, and all other

forests, and make you prisoners. So we came here to warn you, for being

beasts ourselves, although we live in the sky, we are your friends."