Chapter 4 Summary

The townspeople have become very unfriendly towards Mr. Corell. Alex Morden faces the murder charge with a panel consisting of Colonel Lanser, Major Hunter, Captain Loft, and the two lieutenants. The Mayor is there but has refused to pass judgment on Morden. The charge against Morden was read to him by Captain Loft. It indicated that he refused the order to return to work by Captain Loft. Morden charged at Loft with a pick-ax. Captain Bentick stepped between them and was killed. The punishment determined by the military panel for this action is death.

Morden admits to hitting the Captain but does not know that he killed him. Alex proclaims he is a free man and should not have been told by Captain Loft to do his job. But the panel finds the evidence against him and sentences him to be shot immediately...