Corporal Minturn, too, was sentenced to be dismissed from the service, and to serve one year at a military prison.
Private Bill Hooper got off with simple dismissal.
Then the prisoners were sent back to the guard house until the findings and sentences had been passed upon and signed by the department commander.
A week later the papers were returned with the endorsement of the brigadier general commanding the department.
Dowley, Hooper and Minturn left under guard the same day.
"They're all generals now," mimicked Private Hyman.
"Generals?" queried Noll.
"Yes; general prisoners."
"Bill Hooper will be on the retired list when he reaches Denver, anyway," smiled Hal. "Having no stretch to serve, he's to be turned loose when the guard reaches that city."
The morning after, as Colonel North sat in his office at headquarters, an orderly entered and handed him a telegram.