"We will hear what Chief Blake has to say," decided the president of the court, "and we will pass on the value of his evidence later on."
"'Bject!" snapped the lawyer.
"Be good enough, sir, to sit down!"
Chief Blake began his statement by explaining that the elder Hepburn had been for years a notorious local character——
"'Bject!" shouted the lawyer.
"Sit down, sir"—from the president of the court.
Chief Blake continued his testimony, producing copies of official records to show that the elder Hepburn had been four times arrested for inciting disorder and on similar complaints.
"'Bject!"
"Orderly," called Major Elbert. A sergeant who had accompanied the officers of the court stepped forward. "Orderly," continued the major, mildly, "if this attorney makes any further disturbance, put him out of the room. You should understand, Counsellor, that this is a military court, and that you, as a civilian attorney, are admitted here as a matter of courtesy. The chief of police will now go on with his testimony, and if there be anything in it, Counsellor, to which you wish to take exception, at the proper time you will be afforded an opportunity. But we cannot have the court's time wasted by boisterous conduct on the part of any one present."
Major Elbert's manner was not that of the bully, or of one abusing brief authority. His voice was mild and soft, but he meant business.