The policeman gave the soldier boy a vigorous shaking.
"The soldiers were in the right of it, Johnson," protested a voice in the crowd.
"Now, can yer gab, or I'll run you in, too," warned Johnson hoarsely. At that dread warning opposition died out in the weak-kneed crowd.
"Now, come along, ye young loafers in brass buttons," commanded the policeman. "Bill, you and your friend be in court in the morning."
"Sure we will," chuckled Bill.
"Officer, will you let me explain?" insisted Hal, as the two young corporals started down the street on either side of the policeman, who kept a rough grip on the arm of either.
"Pickle it, and tell it all to the judge in the morning," retorted the policeman gruffly.
Some of the crowd—Bill's friends, evidently—followed, hooting and abusing all soldiers in general.
Four blocks away Hal and Noll were lined up before the officer in charge at a station house.
"Assaulting Bill Dabner and his friend and insulting Bill's girl," announced Policeman Johnson gruffly.