"Do it again," he said. "How do you ever squink up your nose like that!
Bet you can't do it three times in succession."

The audacious Hester tried it, and the result was so ludicrous they all
laughed.

"Now look here," went on King, "we're not acquainted with you, but we
know you're Hester Corey. We know you spoiled our Sand Palace, just out
of angry spite. Now, Hester Corey, you've got to be punished for that.
We're peaceable people ourselves, but we're just, also. We were about to
have a nice celebration, but you've put an end to that before it began.
So, instead, we're going to have a trial. You're the prisoner, and
you've pleaded guilty,--at least, you've confessed your crime. Queen
Sandy, get into that throne,--never mind if it is upset,--set it up
again. Grand Sandjandrum, take your place on that mussed up sand heap.
You two other chaps,--stand one each side of the prisoner as sentinels.
I'll conduct this case, and Queen Sandy will pronounce the sentence.
It's us Maynards that Hester Corey seems to have a grudge against, so
it's up to us Maynards to take charge of the case. Prisoner, stand on
that board there."

"I won't do it!" snapped Hester, and the red locks shook vigorously.

"You will do it," said King, quietly, and for some reason or other
Hester quailed before his glance, and then meekly stood where he told
her to.

"Have you anything to say for yourself?" King went on. "Any excuse to
offer for such a mean, hateful piece of work?"