, thinking that he would give a display of his
learning, he elevated his sulphur crest and gabbled off, "Go to Jericho!
Twenty to one on the favourite! I'm your man! Now then, ma'am; hurry up,
don't keep the coach waiting! Give 'um their 'eds, Bill! So long!
Ta-ra-ra, boom-di-ay! God save the King!"

All the creatures present looked gravely at Dot, to see what effect this
harangue in her own language would have upon her, and were somewhat
surprised to see her holding her little sides, and rolling about with
laughter.

The Cockatoo was quite annoyed at Dot's amusement. He fluffed out all
his feathers, and let off a scream that could have been heard a quarter
of a mile away. 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 King," 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 realize 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, odd-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. The Pelican's legs seemed to
Dot to be too frail and short to bear such a big bird, not to mention
the immense beak; and, when the creature stood on one leg only, she
laughed; whereat the Pelican gave her another offended look, which
effectually prevented their becoming friends.

The Pelican was beginning to open his beak to speak (and, being