The sparrow gave a frightened squeak and flew away.



3. Two Bad Ones


Kiki turned around and saw a queer old man standing near. He didn't
stand straight, for he was crooked. He had a fat body and thin legs
and arms. He had a big, round face with bushy, white whiskers that
came to a point below his waist, and white hair that came to a point
on top of his head. He wore dull-gray clothes that were tight fitting,
and his pockets were all bunched out as if stuffed full of something.

"I didn't know you were here," said Kiki.

"I didn't come until after you did," said the queer old man.

"Who are you?" asked Kiki.

"My name's Ruggedo. I used to be the Nome King; but I got kicked
out of my country, and now I'm a wanderer."

"What made them kick you out?" inquired the Hyup boy.

"Well, it's the fashion to kick kings nowadays. I was a pretty good
King--to myself--but those dreadful Oz people wouldn't let me alone.
So I had to abdicate."

"What does that mean?"