“Not guilty.”
In a few moments Lazar entered the courtroom. He was calm and self-possessed. He walked up to the president promptly and took the oath; then he sat down carelessly in the witness chair, and turned upon Phil a cold scrutinizing gaze.
Lazar told his story to the hushed court. Phil knew it was the truth, but not the whole truth which Lazar had sworn to tell.
The witness had finished; the judge advocate turned to Phil, questioningly.
“Do you wish to interrogate the witness?” he asked.
Phil shook his head and Lazar withdrew from the room, casting an incredulous look at the accused midshipman.
The judge advocate ceased his writing and looked up at the president of the court.
“Mr. President,” he announced slowly, “there is no other witness for the prosecution. Ensign Lazar’s testimony is not disputed; it proves every word of the charges against the accused.” He sat down in silence, then he glanced quickly at Sydney, sitting stunned by Phil’s side.
“The defense begins,” he added.
The two lads exchanged glances. O’Neil had not returned.