'Oh, dry up,' said Arizona. 'Who's running this Court, you or me? Where's the one-eyed galoot from Caraccas?'
The one-eyed galoot from Caraccas testified to having been smitten on the side of his head by Bertie. Bill translated the evidence without editing it. One-eye said he hadn't killed Bertie because he was too sick to do it. He addressed the Mexicans on the jury with much fervour, and though reproved by Bill, did not cease his oration till Ben, who was jealous, pulled him down.
A Dutchman spoke afterwards, but did not meet with great sympathy from the judge.
'Cut it short,'said Bill, 'a Dutchman don't count anyhow, hardly more'n a nigger.'
This was rather hard on three 'coons' grinning in the background, and lighting up the darkness with their teeth. However, Dutchmen and negroes are never really troublesome unless they are in the majority, and no protest was made.
After that Arizona refused to hear any more evidence.
'That'll do the palaver,' he said, 'it's as clear as the Missouri in flood-time that Bertie is a gone coon. He struck citizens of the United States with a British shoe, and he smote Caraccas over the cabeza with a British hand. The jury can consider their verdict, while the judge considers his sentence.'
'Ain't the prisoner to be allowed no defence?' asked old Wadd, who had been given the tip there was something on.
'To bee sure,' said Bill. 'Bertie, can you say anythin' to prevent your bein' found guilty right off?'
'Go to the devil!' said Bertie. 'I'll have you all in gaol for mutiny at Cape Town.'