Hardly were they seated when Father Thrift came out of the cave.
In one hand he carried a roll of paper, and with the other he adjusted the spectacles on his nose. He looked just like the judge he was supposed to be.
As in a regular courtroom, every one straightened up and was all attention when the judge came.
The queer little old man seated himself on the stump of a tree.
Before him stood a high bench or table, made of rough boards. On this he spread out his paper.
Then, turning toward Shaggy Bear, he said, “The sheriff and the prisoners will please step forward.”
And as they stood before him, Father Thrift read to the boys the court’s decision.
“The one who sins against the birds,” the decision ran, “sins against man’s best friends.