it said, "We are here to place you on trial for the wrongs
we Bush creatures have suffered from the cruelties of White Humans. You
will meet with all fairness in your trial, as the proceedings will be
conducted according to the custom of your own Courts of Justice. The
Welcome Swallow, having built its nest for three successive seasons
under the eaves of the Gabblebabble Court House, is deeply learned in
human law business, and will instruct us how to proceed. Your conviction
will, therefore, leave you no room for complaint so far as your trial is
concerned."

All the birds clapped their wings in applause at the conclusion of this
speech, and the Pelican was told by the Welcome Swallow that he should
plead as Prosecutor.

"What do you mean by 'Plead as Prosecutor?'" asked the Pelican gravely.

"You've got to get the prisoner convicted as guilty, whether she is so
or not," answered the Swallow, making a dart at a mosquito, which it ate
with relish.

"Oh!" said the Pelican, doubtfully; and all the creatures looked at one
another as if they didn't quite understand the justice of the
arrangement.

"But," said the Pelican, hesitating a little, "suppose I don't think the
prisoner guilty? She seems very small, and harmless."

"That doesn't matter at all, you've got to get her made out as guilty by
the jury. It's good human law," snapped the Swallow, and all the
creatures said "_Oh!_" "Now for the defence," said the Swallow briskly;
"there ought to be someone for that. Who is friendly with the King?"

"Who's the King?" asked all the creatures breathlessly.

"He's a bigger Human than the rest, and everybody's business is his
business, so he's always going to law."

"I know," said the Magpie, and she piped out six bars of "God save the
King."

"You are the one for the defence!" said the Swallow, quite delighted, as
were all the other creatures, at the Magpie's accomplishment; "you must
save the prisoner from the jury finding her guilty."

"But," objected the Magpie, "how can I? when only last fruit season my
brother, and two sisters, and six cousins were shot just because they
ate a few grapes."

"That doesn't matter! you've got to get her off, I tell you!" said the
Swallow, irritably; "go over there, and ask her what you are to say." So
the Magpie flew over to Dot's side, and she at once began to teach it
the rest of "God save the King."

"I like this game," Dot presently said to the Magpie.

"Do you?" said th