"So I understand. But what did he do—or say?"
At this question Uncle Billy suddenly developed dramatic abilities that his master had never dreamed of.
"He say—" and Uncle Billy's arm shot out as he pointed something deadly at an invisible foe—"he say, 'Halt! Dudley! Halt! Bang!'"
Uncle Billy's hat dropped down on the floor with a whack. "Dat's all, seh. Dat po' white trash—he drop lek a stuck pig, seh!"
The General's eyes were on his desk and for a moment there was a pause. Finally, he lifted his head and looked at Morrison, who rose in salute.
"Mr. Morrison. You did well. Your Sergeant failed in his military duty—and deserved the punishment. I commend your action."
Harris, listening with all his might, thought the words more favorable than the tone in which they were spoken and his face brightened. Then he heard the General speaking more sternly.
"The Federal powers of administrative justice now occupy precisely the same position with regard to your own default."
Harris' face darkened. After the first just encomium—what was this that was coming?
Relentless and inflexible the voice went on.