The penalty in the “articles of war” under which naval courts adjudged their punishments was dismissal from the service. CHAPTER XVIII AN IMPORTANT WITNESS “How has he the face to report you for disobeying his order when he must realize that we have evidence enough against him to dismiss him from the service?” exclaimed Sydney as they were on their return. “That’s what puzzles me, too,” declared Phil. “What can he gain by having me court-martialed? He can hardly expect me not to use all the weapons I have to fight him; though when you sum it up our proofs are not very strong: Juarez is dead, and Mareno, even if he knows the part Lazar played in the arms case, would not testify before a naval court.” “But Craig’s evidence,” Sydney interrupted earnestly, “will prove that he deliberately betrayed his trust and gave up the arms. If this evidence can be placed before the court, Lazar’s reasons for ordering us from La Mesa will be clearly shown.” “Lazar can’t know that Craig has confessed to us,” Phil replied happily, “and he believes he’ll have everything his own way. If he knew that Craig had confided to us his secret of the stolen arms, he would not have reported me for the incident on La Mesa.” “What hold has he over this man Craig?” Sydney questioned thoughtfully. “Would this influence be sufficient to seal his lips? Suppose he should deny telling us that the arms were stolen from the cellar of the legation?” “Even if he should,” Phil answered decidedly, “your testimony that you heard him give the information would be taken by the court. He must tell the truth in the witness box; if not it will not be difficult to impugn his statements. However, you must see him as soon as possible and tell him if he will speak the truth we shall see that no harm comes to him. He fears Lazar, but if you can show him that we are powerful enough to protect him, unless I am much mistaken in the man, he will be glad to tell the truth.” “I believe,” cried Sydney joyfully, “that Lazar has caught a tartar this time. What fun it will be to see his face when he hears that Craig has told of his dishonest dealings with Juarez.” Reaching the landing they took the first boat back to the “Connecticut” and reported their return to the officer of the deck. “The captain wishes to see you at once,” that officer said, addressing Phil. Phil went immediately down the cabin ladder and was ushered by the orderly into the presence of Captain Taylor. A glance at his chief’s face told the anxious lad that Lazar had already made his report. Mr. Penfield, who had been in conversation with the captain as the boy entered the cabin, excused himself quickly and left, casting a glance of sympathy at Phil as he passed him. It seemed to the waiting youth that he must have been standing there a long time before Captain Taylor’s voice relieved the oppressive silence; its tone was not unkind, but it was strictly official.