“This
Court will be in order,” roared the judge. “Any more outbursts and I’ll lock
you up, no questions asked. Is that clear?”
Mrs. Robin and her friends ruffled
their feathers in quick response and quieted themselves immediately. But the
chipmunks ignored the judge and chittered and whispered under their breath,
about a plan to free Chatty.
“I said, quiet!” And the judge banged
the gavel again. The chipmunks shrank, and shut up.
“Now, where was I,” muttered the judge
to himelf. “Oh, yeah…Mr. Chatty Chipmunk, where were you the morning of May
18?”
“Gathering beechnuts, your honor.”
“Where?” The judge asked sharply. It
was clear he was becoming impatient.
“Farmer Shoestring’s backyard,” Chatty
responded, becoming more and more frightened. He glanced at his mom behind
Slink and Mrs. Gotrocks. Her paws were folded, and he knew she was praying for
him.
“Please explain further,” continued
the judge. “Today’s complaint is put forward by Mrs. Gotrocks, who lives next
door to Farmer Shoestring. Is that correct?”
“Yes, your honor.” Chatty knew
immediately what question was next, and he trembled. Furthermore, he remembered
he lied to Mrs. Gotrocks, telling her his mom was sick and his brother and
sister were starving to death. He could feel the jaws of punishment ready to
clamp down, tight.
“She has charged you with trespassing.
So, what does she have to do with Farmer Shoestring’s backyard if you were
gathering beechnuts in the farmer’s backyard.”
Chatty trembled, and his tail
twitched. Just as he was about to tell the judge that he accidentally wandered
over to Mrs. Gotrocks’ property, the back door flew open, and in stormed Farmer
Shoestring, with Mrs. Shoestring trailing close behind.
“Your honor, I need a say here,”
shouted the farmer.
“Who are you? And why are you
interrupting the Court?” The judge was not pleased by the intruder.
“I’m Farmer Shoestring. And this
pest…this chipmunk has been a meddlesome bother to me for years. He pilfers
through my strawberry patch, robs my cherry tomatoes, and steals my delicious
blue Concord grapes. I say, hang him by his toenails…today!”
Chatty couldn’t squeeze back the
tears. And Mrs. Chipmunk let out a wail.
Hulda Shoestring took notice.
“Now, now, your honor,” chimed in Mrs.
Shoestring. Farmer Shoestring and I have different opinions about Chatty. I
rather like the little chipmunk. Actually, I look forward to see him scampering
through our yard.”
The judge had enough and banged the
gavel so hard it chipped the podium. “This is the strangest case I’ve ever
heard. Is there anyone else who would like a say?”
“I would, your honor.”
“Step forward, Mrs. Gotrocks.”
Slink leaned forward. “Time for the
kill,” he said to himself.
To be continued…
We invite you to
visit
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The Adventures of Chatty Chipmunk
Chatty Chipmunk Meets Mrs. Gotrocks
A Carnival Adventure with Chatty
Chipmunk
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