"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 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.
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