"it is necessary," replied ozana firmly. "i must have time to study ra and umb's actions during the past few days and to prepare myself to fight them. remember, they are powerful enemies. unless i am mistaken we shall be on our way to the emerald city in the morning, and i shall be fully armed with whatever knowledge is necessary to defeat the mimic monarchs completely. do not worry, my friends. i am confident i can bring about the downfall of king umb and queen ra before ozma and glinda return to the emerald city tomorrow."