“Walkin’ behind the barracks headed towards the hotel.”
“It was dark then, was it not?”
“So black you couldn’t see yer hand afore yer face,” answered the coach driver, whereupon Hippy Wingate grinned broadly.
“I submit, sir,” said Miss Briggs, turning to Lieutenant Chambers, “that this man’s testimony is most interesting. First he sees Mr. Brown half to three-quarters of a mile away; then in a night so dark that he could not see his hand before his face, he instantly recognizes the young man. I submit, sir, that this man’s vision is most remarkable.”
The officer frowned on the coach driver, but ere he could speak, Miss Briggs resumed.
“It is not my intention, sir, to attempt to sway your decision. Our outfit at the time the geyser blew up was in the immediate vicinity, but we do not know the cause. I think that Mr. Brown does, and I would suggest that he relate the facts to you. He is somewhat temperamental at times, and apparently not always wholly responsible for his acts,” finished Elfreda, and sat down.
“Oh, what did you do that for? You had the lieutenant ready to discharge Chunky,” whispered Hippy.
“In the interest of truth and justice, young man,” replied Elfreda briefly.
“You win,” chuckled Hippy.
Stacy’s eyes were large and troubled when he rose at the command of Lieutenant Chambers and began telling the story of the explosion.