This seemed to impress every one with his importance, and the
whole Court became attentive to the proceedings.
At this moment the Swallow skimmed overhead, and having caught the words
"God save the Queen," called out, "That's the way to do it! keep that up"
and the Cockatoo, thinking that the Swallow meant him to scream still
more, set up another yell, which he continued until everyone felt deafened
by the noise.
"We have chosen quite the right Judge," said an elegant blue crane to a
wild duck; "he will make himself heard and respected." Whereat the
Cockatoo winked at the Crane, and said, "You bet I will!"
The Pelican now advanced to the space before the stump, and there was a
murmur of excitement, because it was about to open the trial by a recital
of wrongs done to the Bush creatures by white humanity.
Dot could not realise that she was being tried seriously, and was delighted
that the Pelican had come nearer to her stump, so that she had a better
view of him. She thought him such an old, old looking bird, with his big
bald head, and gigantic beak. She could not help thinking that his beak
must be too heavy for him, and asked if he would like to rest it on the
stump. The Pelican did not understand Dot's kindness, and gave her a look
of offended dignity that was quite withering; so Dot did not speak to him
again; but she longed to feel if the bag of skin that drooped under his
beak had anything in it.
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