The Forest Monster of Oz | Page 9

all the Lunechien Forest. That big wrinkly fellow
I saw not too long ago. He had a nose like a garden hose, but my little bug has
unwittingly told me that he is the one to whom the forest beasts turn when they have
problems. He likes to solve problems, and has a phenomenal knack for it. He is wise
beyond his years, and his emotions encompass all the land! He is also one of the strongest
and most bold beasts in all the Lunechien territory--even putting the tigers like you to
shame! When I can capture this Elephant, I will be all-powerful! I will be almighty! I will
be superhuman! Then, I shall be able to take on the beast who has come to be known as
the Cowardly Lion. A most unfitting moniker, wouldn't you say, for a fellow who swiped
off my head while I was asleep one day?"
"You'll never get away with this!" roared Tiger. "Elephant is too big and strong to be
beaten by any spider--even one so large as you!"
"We'll see about that shortly, Shorty," replied the spider. "Now, won't we?"


CHAPTER 7
THE FOREST MONSTER OF OZ
Meanwhile, word of the monster's plans for Tiger had reached Elephant and Tweaty and
Nibbles via Hootsey and Lisa. The trio had been showing Ozma the cast of the giant
footprint when the owls flew in with the news. Ozma was astounded that such a beast
could live in her domain without her being aware of it. And indeed, the beast had kept a
fairly low profile until recently. But it was quite obvious that a power struggle was now
going on. The beast was gradually finding out that he could grow larger and stronger at
the expense of others and would no doubt not be satisfied until he was so large and
powerful that every living creature would be under his domain. Why, even Ozma herself
was in danger. The owls quickly informed her that the beast's first goal was to capture
Elephant in order to gain the super strength that would enable him to attack the Cowardly
Lion. However, she knew he had to absorb Tiger's power and courage first before he
would dream of attacking Elephant. It was quite obvious he was going to have to think
fast before Tiger became a mere shell of his old self.
Hootsey and Lisa were naturally quite concerned for their own welfare. They did not
want their wisdom sucked out of them by a giant spider with vampire-like tendencies.
One has to live a long time and learn by trial and error before one can truly be considered
wise. Of course, some people never learn. They make the same mistakes over and over.
However, that is neither here nor there. The point is that Hootsey and Lisa were in as

much danger as anyone and were very anxious to help in any way they could.
"If I might make a suggestion?" said Hootsey. "I recently came upon some unusual
creatures that could very well be a match for the monster."
Of course, everyone was all ears, and fell silent as Hootsey began to talk.
"These creatures are very unusual in that they are technically made of glass and so would
appear to be very fragile. But when they open their mouths they are a most ferocious
sight to behold. They are of a bulbous shape with very long legs that can move at the
speed of light--"
At this point Nibbles intercepted Hootsey's graphic description.
"These animals sound most interesting, but they don't sound particularly ferocious--"
"Oh, wait!" responded Hootsey. "I haven't told you the best part. Their mouths are filled
with razor-sharp teeth and they can rip any animal to shreds in two seconds. When a pack
of them attack, the unfortunate victim never even knows what hit him. It's over that fast."
[Illustration: Owl describing Saber-tooth Light-Bulbs]
"And what might the name of these creatures be?" responded Elephant.
"Well," answered Hootsey. "Two important factors contribute to their name. One is their
ability to light their bodies up at night brighter than a hundred glow worms. The second is
when they open their mouths and expose those teeth you would think you were looking at
a Saber-Toothed tiger. Anyone want to guess their name?"
"_Saber-Toothed Light Bulbs!_" everyone responded in unison.
They all began to feel a little better to know that perhaps the dreadful spider-creature may
not be so formidable after all. It was difficult to imagine how he could possibly stand up
to a ferocious pack of Saber-Toothed Light Bulbs. Of course, the next thing that must be
done would be to negotiate with the Saber-Toothed Light Bulbs and see if they would be
willing to take on the monster.