the proceedings--seemed to be trying to
shift an unpleasant task upon its neighbours.

Presently the solemn Pelican waddled forward and stood before Dot,
saying to the assemblage, "I will explain our presence." Addressing
the little girl 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 Gabblegabble 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 Queen?"

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

"She's a bigger Human than the rest, and everybody's business is her
business, so she's always going to law."

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

"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
Swa