The "gents" promptly took off their hats, and this was followed by the scraping of boots and a chorus of little coughs that told how nervous all were.
"Now," continued the judge when order was restored, "we'll have the witnesses in and go on with the trial."
"Before you call any witnesses," said Mr. Willett, "I want you or whoever is conducting this case to state the charge against me and my friend Hank Tims."
"We can't have everything har like if it was a reg'lar out-and-out court," said the judge angrily, and again picking up the tumbler as if he were going to hurl it at some one. "And as for the charges, I thought every one in and about Hurley's Gulch knowed that you two is charged with robbin' and murderin' poor Tom Edwards. Thar, I hope that statement of the case will suit the most partic'lar."
"I and my companion, being the most interested," said Mr. Willett, with wonderful calmness, "should be the most particular; but if that is the best statement of the case that can be made, I am willing that you shall go ahead, asking only that I be permitted to cross-question any and all witnesses that may be called."
"This court ain't got any objections as it knows on to yer axin' questions, pervidin' you stick right down to the point," growled the judge.
Nodding to show that he was satisfied with this, Mr. Willett said, "I am ready," and the young man acting as clerk called out:
"Badger!"
Badger moved nearer to the judge and began to twirl his hat in his big, rough hands in a way that showed he was anything but calm.
"Now, Badger," said Judge Jacks, "tell this yar court and this yar jury all you know 'bout the case."