Kabumpo in Oz
off!" screamed Wag, beginning to hop about at the very thought of Ruggedo.
"But how did you come to be so large and alive?" asked Kabumpo, who was growing more interested.
"Well, one night"—Peg dropped her voice to a whisper—"One night Ruggedo found this box of Mixed Magic hidden in the cave and then—"
"Then," screamed Wag hoarsely, "in some way we don't understand, Peg and I grew big, Peg came alive, the top blew off the cave—and depend upon it, whatever's happened to Ozma and her palace happened from something in that box. It's all Ruggedo's fault. When I catch him"—Wag began to wiggle his nose and paw his whiskers—"my wocks and hoop soons! I'll pound his curly toes off!"
"And I'll help you!" cried Kabumpo heartily. He could not help but admire such spirit. "Come on—let's start. You may ride on my back with Pompa if you care to," finished the Elegant Elephant with a sidelong glance at Peg.
"Oh, thank you," smiled the Wooden Doll, "but Wag will carry me."
"I always carry Peg," said Wag jealously. "I've known her the longest."
"Oh, all right," niffed Kabumpo, lifting Pompa up,
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