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ward, jerked up a handful of trees by the roots, and disappeared, while a

voice from somewhere way above shouted:

What are little humans for?

Broiled or toasted, baked or roasted,

To feed the giant Bangladore.

I smell three or maybe four!

"You hear that?" quavered the Cowardly Lion. Sir Hokus did not answer. His

helmet had been jammed down by his fall, and he was tugging it upward

with both hands. Frightened though Dorothy was, she ran to the Knight's

assistance.

Have at you!" cried Sir Hokus as soon as the opening in his helmet was

opposite his eyes. "Forward!"

"My heart is beating a retreat," gulped the Cowardly Lion, but he bounded

boldly after Sir Hokus.

"Varlet!" hissed the Knight, and raising his sword gave a mighty slash at the

giant's ankle, which was broad as three tree trunks, while the Cowardly Lion

gave a great spring and sank his teeth in the giant's huge leg.

Ouch!" roared the giant in a voice that shook every leaf in the forest. "You

stop, or I'll tell my father!" With that, he gave a hop that sent Sir Hokus

flying into the treetops, stumbled over a huge rock, and came crashing to

the earth, smashing trees like grass blades. At the giant's first scream,

Dorothy shut her eyes and, putting her hands over her ears, had run as far

and as fast as she could. At the awful crash, she stopped short, opened her

eyes, and stared 'round giddily.

The giant was flat on his back, but as he was stretched as far as four city

blocks, only half of him was visible. The Cowardly Lion still clung to his leg,

and he was gurgling and struggling in a way Dorothy could not understand.

She looked around in a panic for the Knight. Just then, Sir Hokus dropped

from the branch of a tree.

Uds daggers!" he puffed, looking ruefully at his sword, which had snapped

off at the handle, "'Tis a pretty rogue!"

Don't you think we'd better run?" shiver Dorothy, thinking of the giant's

song.

"Not while I wear these colors!" exclaimed Sir Hokus, proudly touching

Dorothy's hair ribbon, which still adorned his arm. "Come, my good Lion, let

us dispatch this braggart and saucy monster."

The Royal Book of Oz