A court officer moved over and stood beside the now much-disturbed Johnson.
Dr. McKenzie testified to the serious condition in which he had found Lizzie McAndrew this morning. He was not permitted to repeat any of the young woman's statements in her own words, but was allowed to state the gist of what Miss McAndrew had said.
"May I interrupt the court long enough to ask if there is not now enough evidence to warrant postponing this hearing for a few days?" inquired Captain Cortland.
"I won't do it," replied Judge Guffey bluntly. "Plainly enough this has been one of the court's foolish mornings. I am now convinced that the testimony on which I had sentenced these two young soldiers was false evidence. Corporals Overton and Terry are discharged from custody."
Hal and Noll were about to step from the pen to join their captain when the magistrate interrupted:
"To you young military gentlemen I wish to offer the court's apology. I apologize, also, in the name of the State of Colorado and of the city of Denver. There is no calling more honorable than that of the soldier, who offers his comfort, his life and his blood for his country at need. The soldier who forgets the high nature of his calling and descends to rowdyism cannot be too severely punished, but the soldier who lives up to the high traditions of his calling cannot be too well commended. Policeman Johnson, step forward. Bear in mind that you are still under oath. In what work or business are Dabner and his friend engaged?"
"Why, your honor, I—I——"
"Have they any regular calling that you ever heard of?"
"Your honor, I don't know," stammered the policeman.
"Isn't it true that this precious pair seldom work?" pressed the magistrate.