"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?"
"I'm called Guph, your Majesty."
"Well, Guph, come with me to my private cave, and we'll talk it over."
Then he turned to the army. "Nomes and soldiers," said he, "you are
to obey the commands of General Guph until he becomes dog-feed. Any
man who fails to obey his new General will be promptly thrown away.
You are now dismissed."
Guph went to the King's private cave and sat down upon an amethyst
chair and put his feet on the arm of the King's ruby throne.
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