Page:Kabumpo in Oz.djvu/238

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Chapter Sixteen

“It isn’t very cheerful,” shivered Peg. “Oh, look, Wag! That big tree has eyes!” At Peg’s remark the tree doubled up its branches into fists and stepped right out in front of them. At the same instant all the other trees and bushes moved closer, with dry crackling steps.

“Now we have you!” snapped the tallest tree in a dreadful voice.

“Now we have you!” crackled all the other skitterwitchy creatures, crowding closer.

"Pigs, pigs, we’re the twigs;
We'll tweak your ears and snatch your wigs!"

they shouted all together. One taller than the rest leaned over and seized Wag by the ear with its twisted fingers.

“Help!” screamed Wag, kicking out with his hind legs. Immediately Kabumpo began laying about with his trunk.

“Stand back!” he trumpeted angrily, “or I'll trample you to splinters.”

Pompa stood up on Kabumpo’s back and began to wave his sword threateningly. At this the ugly creatures grew simply furious. ‘They snatched at the Prince with their long, claw-like branches, tearing at

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