t the
creatures. The swan, ducks, cranes, and waterfowl, besides honeysuckers,
and many other birds, were all fanning the air with their wings, and
crying, "Turn him out!" "Disgusting!" "I never heard of such a thing in
my life! the smell of it always gives me a headache!" and there was such
a noise that the jury all woke up, and Dot covered her ears with her
hands. The Cockatoo, seeing Dot's distress at the screams and hubbub,
and thinking that she wanted to say something, but could not make
herself heard in the general riot, decided to speak for her; so he
screamed louder than all the rest, and shouted, "Apples, oranges, pears,
lemonade, cigarettes, _and_ cigars! I say! what's the row?"

[Illustration: THE PELICAN OPENS THE CASE]

When quiet was restored, it was explained that the Opossum had brought
into Court a pouch full of gum leaves, which it was eating. It had also
given some to the Native Bear, and Wallaby, and in consequence the whole
air was laden with the odour of eucalyptus.

"Oh, dear!" said Dot, "it smells just like when I have a cold!"

"Eating eucalyptus leaves in Court is contempt of Court," cried the
Swallow; and everyone echoed, "Contempt of Court! contempt of Court!
Turn them out!"

"But they are witnesses," objected the Pelican.

"That doesn't matter!" shouted the Waterfowl, "it's a disgusting smell!
Turn them out!"

"Hurrah!" shouted the Wallaby, as it leaped off. "What luck!" laughed
the Opossum, as it cleared into the nearest tree. "I am glad," sighed
the Koala, as it slowly moved away; "that trial made my head feel
empty."

"Well, there go three of the most important witnesses," grumbled the
Pelican.

"My eye! what a spree!" said the Judge.

A Galah amongst the Jury, wishing to be thought intelligent, enquired
what charge the Wallaby, Native Bear, and Opossum were to bear witness
to.

"It is a matter of skins, included in the fur rugs clause, and the
wickedness known as 'Sport,'" answered the Pelican.

Whilst the Pelican was making this explanation, the Judge, who had been
longing to have his poll scratched again, sidled up to Dot, and
whispered softly to her, "Scratch Cockie!" But, just as he was enjoying
the delicious sensation Dot's fingers produced amongst his neck
feathers, as he held his head down, the Pelican caught sight of the
proceeding. The Pelican said nothing, but stared at the Judge with an
eye of such astonishment and stern contempt, that the Cockatoo instantly
r