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Kabumpo in Oz


and looking around at Pompa. "If we keep on this way you won't be fit to be seen—much less to marry. Let's have a look at you." He lifted the Prince down carefully and eyed him with consternation. The Prince had seven long scratches on his cheek and his velvet cloak was torn to ribbons.

"I declare," spluttered the Elegant Elephant explosively, "you're a perfect fright. I declare, it's a grumpy shame!"

"Well, don't be gormish," said the Prince, smiling faintly and wiping his cheek with his handkerchief.

"Let me help," begged Peg Amy, falling off Wag's back. "Ozma won't mind a few scratches and what do clothes matter? Anyone would know he was a Prince," she added, taking Pompa's cloak and regarding it ruefully.

Pompa smiled at Peg's earnestness arid made her his best bow but Kabumpo still looked anxious. "Everyone's not so smart as you, Peg," he sighed gloomily. "But come along. The main thing is to rescue Ozma and after that perhaps she won't notice your scratches and torn cloak. She'll think you got them fighting the giant," he finished more hopefully.

With a few more of Kabumpo's jeweled pins Peg repaired Pompa's cloak. Then, after tying up Wag's

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