"Not quite," answered the Executioner, who was putting the finishing touches to the effigy; "his head keeps tumbling off." "Never mind, it will save cutting it off," said the Court Glover, who was evidently quite used to the Executioner's patent method of performing his dreadful duty. "Now then," he continued importantly. "Stand round in a ring while I read the Warrant. 'Ahem! Nevertheless, likewise, notwithstanding, heretofore, as is aforesaid. It having been proven that a certain bird named the Dodo having maliciously and contemptibly worn the white kid gloves of the Little Panjandrum, it is hereby enacted that the said Dodo, or his heirs male, or assigns, be chopped at the neck till one or all of their respective heads do fall off--and this to be done to their entire satisfaction. LONG LIVE THE PANJANDRUM!'" [Illustration: "'Alas! Alas!' murmured the Court Glover."] "What a rigmarole!" whispered Dick, while the Executioner stretched out the Dodo's effigy on the ground, and, resuming his hideous black mask, made ready to strike. "Alas! Alas!" murmured the Court Glover, covering his face with his hands, and peeping through his fingers, while the Dodo held his sides with suppressed laughter. The children all looked on with interest as the Executioner performed his terrible duty. Raising his curious scythe-like chopper, with one mighty blow he severed the piece of wood which answered for the Dodo's neck, and then stood gloomily aside. "_Fiat Justitia_!" said the Court Glover, solemnly; and then, turning to the Dodo, he inquired anxiously, "Well, how did you like it?" "Oh! it was delightful!" replied the bird, enthusiastically. "I am sure no one could wish to have a pleasanter or more delightful execution. I'm much obliged to you for having it so nicely performed." "Well, we always like to manage these little things as pleasantly as possible, you know," said the Court Glover, deprecatingly. "Oh! I quite enjoyed it!" said the Dodo. "That's a _very_ nice Executioner you have." "Yes; isn't he?" agreed the Court Glover. "Pity he laughs so much, though, it spoils the effect. Well, having done my duty, I must be off. Any message for the Little Panjandrum?" "Oh! can't we go back with you in the balloon?" asked Marjorie, eagerly, for it seemed to her a capital opportunity of getting away from this strange place. "H'm! I'm afraid not," said the Court Glover, reflectively. "You see, it only holds two comfortably." "Where do you want to go to?" asked the Archaeopteryx. "England!" said the children, all together. "Oh! _that's_ all right. I'll tell you the way to get _there_," said the Palaeotherium. And the Court Glover and the Executioner began to undo the cords which held the balloon to the palm tree.