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.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75