The Hungry Tiger Of Oz by L Frank Baum

Author:L Frank Baum [Baum, L Frank]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

The Second Rash Ruby

I TOLD you there was a strange power in that ruby when you bought it from the fisherman,” hissed Guph. “No ruby has an R carved in the side without some reason. It is undoubtedly one of the magic rubies of Rash-the one protecting the holder from danger by water.”

Several days before Betsy’s arrival, an old Ev fisherman had brought a sparkling square ruby to the Gnome King. He had found it in a fish he had drawn up in his nets and, knowing Kaliko’s fondness for jewels, had taken it straight to the King. Kaliko at once purchased the stone and had it set in a small ring-the same ring Carter had seen him slip into the rock throne. “If you had the courage of a flea,” grumbled Guph, “you’d steal the ruby this vegetable person discovered and become a real power in the land.”

“But it wouldn’t be right,” objected Kaliko, mopping his brow with his gray kerchief, “Besides, Ozma would hear of it and come with her army to conquer us.

“How could she if you had the two Rash rubies?” argued Guph. “How would she ever know? We’ll just destroy all these rubbishy travellers and that will be the end of it. Where’s the ring now?” he inquired anxiously.

“Safe enough,” answered Kaliko, glancing over his shoulder. “I took it off as soon as Betsy mentioned the rubies. I was afraid she would notice it.”

“Come on then,” urged Guph coaxingly-“Can’t you be a little bad for once. Tisn’t natural for a gnome to be good all the time and where does all this goodness get you? Show you’re a real gnome for once and forget all this mortal stuff you learned from Betsy Bobbin

As Guph continued his wicked pleading, Carter stood frozen to the spot, his corn ears waving to and fro with wrath and indignation. He longed to snatch the precious ruby from its hiding place and dash back to warn the others. But the gnomes were so close, he dared not move. But all at once Kaliko came to a decision and began to hurry toward a small door.

“I will consult the wizard,” muttered the Gnome King in a weak whisper. “Come, let us see what the wizard thinks about this.” Taking Guph’s arm, Kaliko went pattering down the rocky hallway. In one leap, the Vegetable Man reached the great throne, found the ruby ring and dropped it into his leather pouch. He was about to return to his companions when the King’s exspectacles, lying on the arm of the throne, attracted his attention. Clapping them hurriedly upon his nose, he rushed toward the cavern occupied by the little Prince of Rash. But halfway there he gave a great leap.

“Great cauliflowers!” gasped Carter. As plainly as you see the pictures in this book, he saw Guph thumping the little boy on the head with a pickaxe.

“Stop! Stop!” screamed the Vegetable Man, dashing into the cavern like a whirlwind. Off flew the King’s exspectacles

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