Let's get on with the trial."
This idea was received with applause, and the Swallow flew off in a huff;
whilst the Kookooburra, on a tree near the Court, softly laughed to
himself.
Once more the Pelican took up his position to open the trial. The Cockatoo
puffed himself out as big as he could, fluffed out his cheek feathers, and
half closed his eyes. His solemnly attentive attitude won the admiration
of all the court, and the absence of horsehair was not felt by anyone.
The Welcome Swallow, having got over its ill temper, returned to help the
proceedings; and the jury all put their heads under their wings, and went
to sleep.
"Fire away!" screamed the Cockatoo, and the trial began.
"My duty is a most painful one," said the Pelican; "for" ("whereas," said
the Swallow) "the prisoner known" ("named and described," added the
Swallow), "as Dot is now before you," ("to be tried, heard, determined and
adjudged," gabbled the Swallow) "on a charge of cruelty" ("and feloniously
killing and slaying," prompted the Swallow) "to birds and animals," ("the
term not applying to horse, mare, gelding, bull, ox, dog, cat, heifer,
steer, calf, mule, ass, sheep, lamb, hog, pig, sow, goat, or other
domestic animal," interposed in one breath the Swallow, quoting the
Cruelty to Animals Act) "she is" ("hereby," put in the Swallow) "brought
to trial on" ("divers," whispered the Swallow) "charges" ("hereinafter,"
said the Swallow) "to be named and described by the" ("aforesaid,"
interjected the Swallow) "birds and animals," ("hereinbefore mentioned,"
stated the Swallow) "the said animals being denizens of the Bush" ("and in
no wise relating to horse, mare, gelding, bull, ox--" began the Swallow
again, when the Cockatoo raised his crest, and screamed out "STOP THAT,
I TELL YOU!" and the Pelican continued stating the charge.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133