The Dodo groaned.
“Once more!” shouted the Ambassador.
For the third time the unlucky bird spun the Umbrella round, and this time it stopped at “Fine.”
“How much, your Importance?” asked the Ambassador of the Little Panjandrum.
“Cablofechee!” was the reply.
“Your gloves are forfeited,” declared the Ambassador.
The Dodo gave a despairing glance at the children, and began to remove his one glove.
“What’s he being tried for?” asked Dick, in a whisper.
“Contempt of Panjandrumosity,” said the Ambassador. “It’s a dreadful offence. All trials are conducted by means of the State Umbrella; it saves all the bother of judges and juries, you know. But, look out! the Little Panjandrum is off again.”
“Dumflopety—golopegee—gal—popo—sum—delopotomex,” remarked the Little Panjandrum, as he walked away, escorted by his retinue.