A rather handsome black dog arose and a large white cat. There was a terrible silence as they walked slowly around the Eagle’s throne. All eyes were turned upon them. The near-sighted ones put on glasses which they had brought for the occasion. The white cat, being the only lady of the party, was called first to the throne.
She had eaten their father, mother, and aunt all in one day
After asking her name, age, address and telephone number, the Eagle said, “This cat is before you. Has any one anything against her?”
Immediately a dozen English sparrows flew down to the throne and told a dreadful tale about her. They said that she had caught and eaten their mother, father and aunt all in one day.
A grape vine also bent forward with leaves outstretched, but the Eagle waved it back, saying in a terrible voice: “We have had evidence enough. White Cat, withdraw.” And White Cat scudded away.
Then the Eagle called the black dog, but an old hen stepped up at once and indignantly said, “Black Dog killed my fluffiest child when she was scarcely out of the shell.”
At this the Eagle took his rod and struck the black dog, saying in his great and dreadful voice, “How did you dare to come before me?”
Of course that was the end of the black dog, who ran away with his tail between his legs.
Then Ready knew that his time had come. If only his little legs would not give out! When the Eagle said sternly, “Next”, he arose and stood before him.