osed to measures that
ignore the constituted authorities, but we find ourselves living under
extraordinary conditions, and the law--God save the name--has proved
itself abortive. It is time for the better element to join bands; we
must get together, sir. I am willing to take the initial steps and
issue the call for a mass meeting of our best citizens. I am prepared to
address such a meeting." The very splendor of his conception dazzled the
judge; this promised a gorgeous publicity with his name flying broadcast
over the county. He continued:

"I am ready to give my time gratuitously to directing the activities of
a body of picked men who shall rid the county of the lawless element.
God knows, sir, I desire the repose of a private career, yet I am
willing to sacrifice myself. Is it your opinion, Mr. Saul, that I should
move in this matter?"

"I advise you didn't," said Mr. Saul, with disappointing alacrity.

The judge looked at him fixedly.

"Am I wrong in supposing, Mr. Saul, that if I determine to act as I have
outlined I shall have your indorsement?" he demanded. Mr. Saul
looked extremely uncomfortable; he was finding the judge's effulgent
personality rather compelling. "There is no gentleman whose support
I should value in quite the same sense that I should value yours, Mr.
Saul; I should like to feel my course met with your full approval,"
pursued the judge, with charming deference.

"You'll get yourself shot full of holes," said Mr. Saul.

"What causes me to hesitate is this: my name is unfamiliar to your
citizens. You know their prejudices, Mr. Saul; how would they regard me
if I put myself forward?"

"Can't say how they would take it," rejoined Mr. Saul.

Again the judge gave him a fixed scrutiny. Then ha shook him warmly by
the hand.

"Think of what I have said; ponder it, sir, and let me have your
answer at another time." And he backed from Mr. Saul's presence with
spectacular politeness.

"A cheap mind!" thought the judge, as he hurried up the street.

He broached the subject to Mr. Wesley the postmaster, to Mr. Ellison
the gunsmith, to Mr. Pegloe, employing much the same formula he had used
with Mr. Saul, and with results almost identical. He imagined there must
be some conspiracy afoot to keep him out of the public eye, and in the
end he managed to lose his temper.

"Hasn't Norton any friends?" he demanded of Pegloe. "Who's going to
be safe at this rate? We want to let some law into west Tenne