"I won't do it," replied Judge Guffey bluntly. "Plainly enough this has been one of the court's foolish mornings. I am now convinced that the testimony on which I had sentenced these two young soldiers was false evidence. Corporals Overton and Terry are discharged from custody." Hal and Noll were about to step from the pen to join their captain when the magistrate interrupted: "To you young military gentlemen I wish to offer the court's apology. I apologize, also, in the name of the State of Colorado and of the city of Denver. There is no calling more honorable than that of the soldier, who offers his comfort, his life and his blood for his country at need. The soldier who forgets the high nature of his calling and descends to rowdyism cannot be too severely punished, but the soldier who lives up to the high traditions of his calling cannot be too well commended. Policeman Johnson, step forward. Bear in mind that you are still under oath. In what work or business are Dabner and his friend engaged?" "Why, your honor, I--I----" "Have they any regular calling that you ever heard of?" "Your honor, I don't know," stammered the policeman. "Isn't it true that this precious pair seldom work?" pressed the magistrate. "I--I'm afraid, your honor----" "Policeman Johnson, go to the complaint clerk and swear to two short complaints charging Dabner and his estimable friend with vagrancy." Johnson changed color swiftly three or four times, but he went in a daze to carry out his instructions. As for Bill Dabner and his friend, they looked as though they were seeing ghosts. They did not attempt to speak until they were ordered to step into the pen and be sworn. Then Policeman Johnson was called to the stand. Reluctantly he testified that the new prisoners were well known to be loafers, making a living mainly by their wits. Dabner and his friend were then asked to testify in their own behalf, but they were too badly overwhelmed to be able to say much. "Prisoners," said Judge Guffey, gazing at them in sheer disgust, "it would give me great pleasure to bind you over for the grand jury on charges of perjury committed this morning. But I feel disinclined to take any action that may drag these young soldiers away from their own duties. Therefore, on the charge of vagrancy, I sentence you each to two years in the workhouse. Take those prisoners below at once." Bill and his crony seemed barely able to walk when they were forced below. "Policeman Johnson, come forward! Do you desire to offer any denial of the evidence concerning the charge that Dr. McKenzie made against you a few minutes ago!" Johnson opened his mouth to speak, but under the stern gaze of the police magistrate he found it impossible to persist in his denial. "Johnson, for attempting to intimidate a witness in this court I sentence you to thirty days' confinement at the workhouse. I shall also see to it that a full account of this matter reaches the chief of police. That is all."