mind," said the Swallow cheerfully, "You've said quite enough,
and no one has understood a word of the charge, so it's all right. Now
then for the witnesses."

As the Swallow spoke, there was a great disturbance amongst the
creatures. The swan, ducks, cranes, and water fowl, besides
honeysuckers, and many other birds, were all fanning the air with their
wings, and crying, "Turn him out!" "Disgusting!" "I never heard of such
a thing in my life! the smell of it always gives me a headache!" and
there was such a noise that the jury all woke up, and Dot covered her
ears with her hands. The Cockatoo, seeing Dot's distress at the
screams and hubbub, and thinking that she wanted to say something, but
could not make herself heard in the general riot, decided to speak for
her; so he screamed louder than all the rest, and shouted, "Apples,
oranges, pears, lemonade, cigarettes, AND cigars! I say! what's the
row?"

When quiet was restored, it was explained that the Opossum had brought
into Court a pouch full of gum leaves, which it was eating. It had
also given some to the Native Bear, and Wallaby, and in consequence the
whole air was laden with the odour of eucalyptus.

"Oh, dear!" said Dot, "it smells just like when I have a cold!"

"Eating eucalyptus leaves in Court is contempt of Court," cried the
Swallow and everyone echoed, "Contempt of Court! Contempt of Court!
Turn them out!"

"But they are witnesses," objected the Pelican.

"That doesn't matter!" shouted the Waterfowl, "It's a disgusting smell!
Turn them out!"

"Hurrah!" shouted the Wallaby, as it leaped off. "What luck!" laughed
the Opossum, as it cleared into the nearest tree. "I am glad," sighed
the Koala, as it slowly moved away; "that trial made my head feel
empty."

"Well, there go three of the most important witnesses," grumbled the
Pelican.

"My eye, what a spree!" said the judge.

A Galah amongst the jury, wishing to be thought intelligent, enquired
what charge the Wallaby, Native Bear, and Opossum were to bear witness
to.

"It is a matter of skins, included in the fur rugs clause, and the
wickedness known as 'Sport'," answered the Pelican.

Whilst the Pelican was making this explanation, the judge, who had been
longing to have his poll scratched again, sidled up to Dot, and
whispered softly, "Scratch Cockie's poll!" But, just as he was
enjoying the delicious sensation Dot's fingers produced amongst his
neck feathers, as he held his head