Prescott had decided to ask that officer to act as his counsel at the court-martial.
Prescott's case looked simple enough.

Nor did the judge-advocate of the court-martial need much time for his preparation of the case.

The judge-advocate of a court-martial is the prosecuting officer.

Theoretically he is also somewhat in the way of counsel for the defence.

It is the judge-advocate's duty to prosecute, it is also his duty to inquire into any particulars that may establish the innocence of the accused man.
Mr.Topham at once consented to act as Dick's counsel, and entered heartily into the case.
"But I don't mind telling you, Mr.Prescott," continued Lieutenant Topham, as he was talking the matter over with Dick in the latter's room, "that both sides of the case look to me, at present, like blank walls.