and so it went throughout the emerald city. the friendly oz people were delighted that the lovely birds should approach so near that they might be treated to a closer view of their gorgeous plumage, which, it must be admitted, was exceedingly beautiful. only the eyes of the birds betrayed their true natures. they flamed a fierce red. one or two of the oz people, upon meeting the glare of those piercing eyes, were alarmed and would have turned and fled. but it was too late. in a few minutes, all the human inhabitants of the emerald city were made captives.