“Even then,” he replied. “Lazar could not be accused. The fact that Craig deserted would point to the latter’s guilt in allowing the guns to be taken from the legation and would prove Lazar’s innocence. Sydney, if Craig is not found I stand convicted.” The weary, anxious day dragged slowly by. The fateful morning dawned. At the hour set, Phil and Sydney were ready to appear before the court. Phil dreaded the ordeal. Far rather would he have faced a battery of Colt guns than go before those seven commissioned officers, accused as he was of a military crime. With heart beating fast, and with pale, set face he took the chair next the judge advocate; Sydney sat beside him, a determined look in his eyes. Phil raised his head and braved the eyes of the court. The picture now before his eyes would never be forgotten. The officers were all strangers to him, selected from other ships than his own. At the head of the long table sat the president, a captain in the navy, commanding a battle-ship in the fleet; the other six officers were all above the rank of ensign. Phil saw his sword brought in by the captain’s orderly and placed on the court table, its sheathed point directed at himself, the accused. He knew that this sword would be the silent tale bearer of the court’s verdict. If after the trial was over the sword remained with its point toward him he had been adjudged guilty, but if upon entering to receive the judgment, the sword had been swung with its hilt toward him, then the court had found him not guilty. The judge advocate arose, and in a clear voice read the admiral’s order assembling the court for the trial of Midshipman Perry. The formalities of organization were soon over and the court was ready to try the accused on the charges. As one in a dream Phil heard the detailed charges read. He knew them by heart, but now in the cold hard tones of Lieutenant Barnes they rang ominously. “He, the said Midshipman Philip Perry, did maliciously and wilfully disobey the order of his superior officer Ensign Jules Lazar, who was then and there in the execution of his lawful duty, and further did treat his superior officer, the said Ensign Jules Lazar, with contempt, and was insubordinate to him by words and gestures; this to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.” The awful sound took his breath away. A voice was saying to him in his inner consciousness, “You are guilty, you are guilty.” Yes, every word was only too true; he could deny nothing, but he must plead “not guilty,” in hopes that Craig would arrive in time to give his testimony. There was a pause; the judge advocate cleared his throat. The court shifted their positions expectantly. Phil’s heart seemed almost ready to stop beating while the prosecutor’s voice sounded through the quiet room: “You, Philip Perry, have heard the charges preferred against you. What say you: Guilty or not guilty?” Phil mustered all his strength and in a clear voice answered: