Then the beasts will become
the masters and the people their slaves."
"What good would that do us?" asked Bru the Bear.
"It would save you from slavery, for one thing, and you could enjoy
all the fine things of Oz people have."
"Beasts wouldn't know what to do with the things people use," said
the Gray Ape.
"But this is only part of my plan," insisted the Nome. "Listen to
the rest of it. We two Li-Mon-Eags are powerful magicians. When you
have conquered the Oz people we will transform them all into beasts,
and send them to the forests to live, and we will transform all the
beasts into people, so they can enjoy all the wonderful delights of
the Emerald City."
For a moment no beast spoke. Then the King said: "Prove it."
"Prove what?" asked Ruggedo.
"Prove that you can transform us. If you are a magician transform
the 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.
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