The Magic of Oz

we have conquered the Oz people, and you become a man, you'll be glad

of it."

The immense Leopard rested his chin on the log and seemed

thoughtful.

The beasts of the forest must decide this matter for themselves," he

said. "Go you, Rango the Gray Ape, and tell your monkey tribe to order all

the forest beasts to assemble in the Great Clearing at sunrise to-morrow.

When all are gathered together, this mixed-up Beast who is a magician

shall talk to them and tell them what he has told us. Then, if they decide to

fight the Oz people, who have declared war on us, I will lead the beasts to

battle."

Rango the Gray Ape turned at once and glided swiftly through the

forest on his mission. The Bear gave a grunt and walked away. Gugu the

King rose and stretched himself. Then he said to Ruggedo: "Meet us at

sunrise to-morrow," and with stately stride vanished among the trees.

The man-unicorn, left alone with the strangers, suddenly stopped his

foolish prancing.

You'd better make me a Unicorn again," he said. "I like being a man,

but the forest beasts won't know I'm their friend, Loo, and they might tear

me in pieces before morning."

So Kiki changed him back to his former shape, and the Unicorn

departed to join his people.

Ruggedo the Nome was much pleased with his success.

To-morrow," he said to Kiki Aru, "we'll win over these beasts and set

them to fight and conquer the Oz people. Then I will have my revenge on

Ozma and Dorothy and all the rest of my enemies."

But I am doing all the work," said Kiki.

Never mind; you're going to be King of Oz," promised Ruggedo.

Will the big Leopard let me be King?" asked the boy anxiously.

The Nome came close to him and whispered:

If Gugu the Leopard opposes us, you will transform him into a tree,

and then he will be helpless."

Of course," agreed Kiki, and he said to himself: "I shall also