Then Bill came forward, in his best, loudest clothes, and with his hair much greased. Bill's story, under oath, put a few flourishes to Policeman Johnson's plainer tale. Bill's friend was also there and backed up all that the policeman and Dabner had said.
"We have plenty of other witnesses, your honor, if you desire to examine more," interposed the policeman.
"Where's the young woman herself?" queried Judge Guffey.
"Home in bed, ill from the shock, your honor," Bill asserted gravely.
"Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say?" queried Judge Guffey. "Overton?"
"I've a lot to say, your honor."
In tones ringing with indignation, Corporal Hal Overton, United States Army, gave his version of the affair. Bill Dabner listened with a broad, impudent grin, as Hal told the true story of the encounter of the night before.
Then Noll spoke in his own behalf.
"I saw the assault myself, your honor, and have other witnesses here for our side if you wish to hear them," said Policeman Johnson.
"This testimony is very much confused," commented Judge Guffey at last. "But the evidence of the police officer is evidently worth that of all the other witnesses combined, for the policeman has no personal prejudices in the matter. Prisoners at the bar, you appear to have forgotten that you were sworn into the Army and enrolled among the defenders and protectors of the country. It is no light thing to insult a young woman, even if she does happen to belong to the poorer classes of society. Prisoners, such conduct as yours, under any circumstances, is a disgrace to the splendid uniform that you wear. Soldier hoodlumism shall find no more sanction in this court than any other kind of rowdyism. I sentence you each, therefore——"