Such language could not pass unnoticed, and a Court of Inquiry, composed of Captains Bob Shorty, Samyule Sa-mith, and Colonel Wobert Wobinson, was instantly called. The Court had a decanter and tumbler only, to aid its deliberations, it being determined by
the War Department that no fact which could be detected even by the aid of a glass, should go uninspected.
Villiam having been summoned to the presence, Samyule declared the Court in session, and says he:
"The sad duty has become ours, to investigate certain charges against a brother in arms which has heretofore been the mirror of chivalry. It is specified against him:
"'First—That said Captain Villiam Brown, Eskevire, did affirm, declare, avow, testify, and articulate, with his tongue, licker, and organ of speech, that the General of the Mackerel Brigade was a dead-beat.
"'Second—That aforesaid Captain Villiam Brown, Eskevire, did proclaim, utter, enunciate, fulminate and swear, that he would not take the word of the General of the Mackerel Brigade.'
"What has the culprit to say to these charges? Did he say that our idolized Commander was a dead-beat?"
Villiam smiled calmly, and says he: "The chaste remark exactly fits the orifice of my lips."
"Confine yourself to English," says Colonel Wobinson, majestically. "What do you mean by the observation?"
"Why," says Villiam, pleasantly, "I meant, that before he was beaten he must be dead. And after death, you know," says Villiam, reaching one hand abstractedly toward the decanter, "after death, you know, we must all b'eaten by worms."