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The Emerald City of Oz by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
page 26 of 231 (11%)
hundred Nomes better fitted to command your army, and your Generals
get thrown away so often that I have no desire to be one of them."

"Ah, there is some truth in your remarks, Kaliko," remarked the King,
deciding not to throw the scepter. "Summon my army to assemble in the
Great Cavern."

Kaliko bowed and retired, and in a few minutes returned to say that
the army was assembled. So the King went out upon a balcony that
overlooked the Great Cavern, where fifty thousand Nomes, all armed
with swords and pikes, stood marshaled in military array.

When they were not required as soldiers all these Nomes were metal
workers and miners, and they had hammered so much at the forges and
dug so hard with pick and shovel that they had acquired great muscular
strength. They were strangely formed creatures, rather round and not
very tall. Their toes were curly and their ears broad and flat.

In time of war every Nome left his forge or mine and became part of
the great army of King Roquat. The soldiers wore rock-colored
uniforms and were excellently drilled.

The King looked upon this tremendous army, which stood silently
arrayed before him, and a cruel smile curled the corners of his mouth,
for he saw that his legions were very powerful. Then he addressed
them from the balcony, saying:

"I have thrown away General Blug, because he did not please me. So I
want another General to command this army. Who is next in command?"

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