"Do you know anything of the affray itself?" questioned Major Elbert.
"Nothing," admitted the chief.
The Hepburn lawyer settled back in his chair with a dark look of satisfaction.
"In what way, Chief," queried the major, "do you feel that you can aid this court in arriving at a proper decision?"
"I am here, sir, to testify, if desired, to the characters borne by the complainants and by the defendants."
Chief Blake then went on to state that he had known Lieutenants Overton and Terry for many years, with the exception of the time that they had been absent serving in the Regular Army. The chief stated that the character of each young man was above reproach.
"What do you know regarding any of the complaining witnesses?" inquired Major Elbert.
"I object!" shouted the Hepburn lawyer, rising.
"To what do you object?" inquired the major mildly, glancing at the lawyer. "To having the characters of the complaining witnesses stated?"
"We object, may it please the court, on the ground that the chief of police is not qualified to express a competent opinion."