An appeal to justice was made against the Pike, on the ground that it
had rendered the pond uninhabitable. A whole cart-load of proofs was
tendered as evidence; and the culprit, as was beseeming, was brought
into court in a large tub. The judges were assembled not far off,
having been set to graze in a neighbouring field. Their names are
still preserved in the archives. There were two Donkeys, a couple of
old Horses, and two or three Goats. The Fox also was added to their
number, as assessor, in order that the business might be carried on
under competent supervision.
Now, popular report said that the Pike used to supply the table of the
Fox with fish. However this might be, there was no partiality among
the judges; and it must also be stated that it was impossible to
conceal the Pike's roguery in the affair in question. So there was no
help for it. Sentence was passed, condemning the Pike to an
ignominious punishment. In order to frighten others, it was to be hung
from a tree.
"Respected judges," thus did the Fox begin to speak, "hanging is a
trifle. I should have liked to have sentenced the culprit to such a
punishment as has never been seen here among us. In order that rogues
may in future live in fear, and run a terrible risk, I would drown it
in the river."
"Excellent!" cry the judges, and unanimously accept the proposition.
So the Pike was flung--into the river.