white whiskers so long that they were tied around his waist to prevent
their tripping him up, stepped out of the ranks and saluted the King.

"I'd like to ask a few questions, your Majesty," he said.

"Go ahead," replied the King.

"These Oz people are quite good, are they not?"

"As good as apple pie," said the King.

"And they are happy, I suppose?" continued the old Nome.

"Happy as the day is long," said the King.

"And contented and prosperous?" inquired the Nome.

"Very much so," said the King.

"Well, your Majesty," remarked he of the white whiskers, "I think I
should like to undertake the job, so I'll be your General. I hate
good people; I detest happy people; I'm opposed to any one who is
contented and prosperous. That is why I am so fond of your Majesty.
Make me your General and I'll promise to conquer and destroy the Oz
people. If I fail I'm ready to be sliced thin and fed to the
seven-headed dogs."

"Very good! Very good, indeed! That's the way to talk!" cried Roquat
the Red, who was greatly pleased. "What is your name, General?"