"Has the young woman herself appeared in court, your honor?" resumed B Company's captain. "Has she testified?"
"I understand," replied Judge Guffey, "that the young woman is ill in bed as a result of the shock of last night's occurrence."
"Then, your honor," asked Captain Cortland, "may I ask a continuance of this case until the testimony of the young woman herself may have been heard, and until I can look up other evidence? And will you accept my personal bail for Corporals Overton and Terry in the meantime?"
"I want to show you every courtesy possible, Captain," began Judge Guffey.
"And I ask nothing, your honor, except that my men have every opportunity for impartial justice."
While this conversation had been going on an extremely mild-mannered man in rather dingy black, had been quietly working his way forward. He had just succeeded in passing a card to the clerk of the court and in adding a few whispered words.
"Your honor," interposed the clerk, "here is another witness who offers, and wishes to be heard. He can bring us tidings of the young woman who has been mentioned in connection with this case."
Judge Guffey took the card, reading from it:
"Dr. Alexander McKenzie."
"That is my name, sir," replied the quiet man.