"
Now of all the surprised beasts in that clearing, not one was so
much surprised at the sudden appearance of these four strangers as
Ruggedo the Nome. He was frightened, too, for he recognized them as
his most powerful enemies; but he also realized that they could not
know he was the former King of the Nomes, because of the beast's form
he wore, which disguised him so effectually. So he took courage and
resolved that the Wizard and Dorothy should not defeat his plans.
It was hard to tell, just yet, what the vast assemblage of beasts
thought of the new arrivals. Some glared angrily at them, but more of
them seemed to be curious and wondering. All were interested,
however, and they kept very quiet and listened carefully to all that
was said.
Kiki Aru, who had remained unnoticed in the shadow of the rock, was
at first more alarmed by the coming of the strangers than even Ruggedo
was, and the boy told himself that unless he acted quickly and without
waiting to ask the advice of the old Nome, their conspiracy was likely
to be discovered and all their plans to conquer and rule Oz be
defeated.
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