The Magic of Oz

Unicorn into a man. Then we will believe you. If you fail, we will destroy

you."

All right," said the Nome. "But I'm tired, so I'll let my comrade make

the transformation."

Kiki Aru had stood back from the circle, but he had heard all that was

said. He now realized that he must make good Ruggedo's boast, so he

retreated to the edge of the clearing and whispered the magic word.

Instantly the Unicorn became a fat, chubby little man, dressed in the

purple Gillikin costume, and it was hard to tell which was the more

astonished, the King, the Bear, the Ape or the former Unicorn.

It's true!" shorted the man-beast. "Good gracious, look what I am! It's

wonderful!"

The King of Beasts now addressed Ruggedo in a more friendly tone.

We must believe your story, since you have given us proof of your

power," said he. "But why, if you are so great a magician, cannot you

conquer the Oz people without our help, and so save us the trouble?"

Alas!" replied the crafty old Nome, "no magician is able to do

everything. The transformations are easy to us because we are Li-Mon-

Eags, but we cannot fight, or conquer even such weak creatures as the Oz

people. But we will stay with you and advise and help you, and we will

transform all the Oz people into beasts, when the time comes, and all the

beasts into people."

Gugu the King turned to his Counselors.

How shall we answer this friendly stranger?" he asked.

Loo the former Unicorn was dancing around and cutting capers like a

clown.

On my word, your Majesty," he said, "this being a man is more fun

than being a Unicorn."

You look like a fool," said the Gray Ape.

Well, I FEEL fine!" declared the man-beast.

I think I prefer to be a Bear," said Big Bru. "I was born a Bear, and I

know a Bear's ways. So I am satisfied to live as a Bear lives."

"That," said the old Nome, "is because you know nothing better. When