A Frontier Doctor Page: 156

                                
A FRONTIER DOCTOR

rally subjected to a most vicious cross-examination, but
I had only told the truth and most of the prosecuting at-
torney's attacks were boomerangs. I was a tyro then as a
witness - in fact, it was my first experience. Since that
time I have been on the stand in court a great many
times in all kinds of cases and I have never seen a cross-
examination break down true testimony.
Before I left the stand the Judge himself took a hand.
He had evidently observed the change in Parker's de-
meanor after I appeared on the scene.
The Judge: 'Dr. Hoyt, you have testified that you
knew Mr. Parker in Las Vegas. What was his general
reputation there for truth and veracity?'
Dr. Hoyt: 'Your Honor, my personal acquaintance
with Mr. Parker in Las Vegas was limited to the night
when we were together as I have testified. I do not recall
ever discussing his character with any one. But I lis-
tened to every word of his testimony here this morning
and, judging him from what I heard, I would not believe
him under oath. His testimony was absolutely false.'
More vicious looks shot from Parker and a deputy
United States marshal who sat beside him and who, I
afterward learned, was also interested in winning the big
reward for the capture and conviction of any of the rob-
bers. I do not think the prosecuting attorney was mixed
up with it in any way.
The Judge then charged the jury, who brought in a
verdict of 'Not guilty.' From the unanimous demonstra-
tion of approval by the audience it was very apparent
that Webb had their sympathy.
As court adjourned I was introduced to General Wal-
lace by the Judge and was heartily congratulated by him
for my testimony. As I was pushing through the assem-
blage toward the front door which opened onto the plaza,
some one caught me by the arm and pulling me in another

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