. A buzz of excitement
filled the room. Several people had to be revived with smelling salts.

The trumpets sounded a second time. The excitement increased.

The trumpets sounded a third time, near at hand. A man's voice announced
in solemn tones, "The Lord Chief Justice approaches."

The audience grew very still. Hardly a rustle or a flutter was heard.
Suddenly the great tapestry curtains which overhung the door parted, and
there appeared, first of all, an usher, clad in red velvet and carrying
a golden wand; then came two golden-haired pages, also clad in red
velvet and carrying a flat black-lacquer box on a velvet cushion. Last
of all came an elderly man dressed in black, and carrying a golden perch
on which sat a fine green parrot. On reaching the centre of the hall,
the parrot flapped its wings, arranged an upstart feather or two, and
then resumed that solemn dignity for which birds and animals are so
justly famous.

With great ceremony the gentleman in black placed the Lord Chief Justice
on a lacquer stand close by the throne of the Dwarf-King.

Trumpets sounded. Two servitors hurried forward with the captive King.

"Your Venerability," spoke the Dwarf-King to the parrot, who watched him
intently out of its round yellow eye, and nodded its head, "this rascal
has been taken in the act of robbing the treasure castle. What
punishment do you suggest?"

At these words, the two golden-haired pages, advancing with immense
solemnity, lifted the lacquer box to within reach of the parrot's beak.
The box was full of cards. Over them, swaying from one leg to the other
as he did so, the parrot swept his head.

An icy silence fell over the throng. The King, the Chancellor, and the
Chamberlain quaked in their shoes. Presently the parrot picked out a
card, and the gentleman in black handed it to the Dwarf-King.

"Prisoner," said the Dwarf-King to the other King, "the Lord Chief
Justice condemns you to be for the rest of your natural life Master
Sweeper of the Palace Chimneys."

Discreet applause was heard. The Chancellor was then hurried forward,
and the bird picked out a second card.

"Prisoner," said the Dwarf-King, "the Lord Chief Justice condemns you to
be for the rest of your natural life Master Washer of the Palace
Windows."

More discreet applause was heard. And now the Chamberlain was brought to
the bar. The parrot gave him quite a wicked eye, and hesitated for some
time before drawing a card.

"Prisoner,"