reeds riots in hell. That is how most trouble starts,
I reckon--not understanding, prejudging. Men don't naturally like to
press down. They'd a heap rather comfort and help--if they could just
see the way clear. Helping someone out of a tight is just about the
pleasantest thing a man can do. But these people Uncle Sam sends here
to manage us, they don't think our thoughts and they don't speak our
tongue. They ask for brick and we bring them mortar; they ask for
bread and we rock 'em to sleep. That's the way I look at it. Won't you
coincide with me?"

"Why, yes," said Johnny, "now that you mention it--I don't care if I
do."

The jailer eyed his captive with painful distrust. Then he sighed
heavily.

"Flippant and inattentive! A bad mark. Nine more demerits and you'll
be suspended." He rose and went to a closet and returned with a bottle
and glasses. "A long drop and a quick finish!"

"Wishing you the same!" said Johnny Dines. The glasses clinked
together.

"So you be advised and don't waive examination," resumed Gwinne. "Wade
will want you to do that. Don't you listen to Wade. You make your
fight to-morrow. Old Andy Hinkle, the J. P., he's a homespun. When
he hits a drill he hits her with all his carcass, from the ground up,
and when he goes a-judging, justice is what he wants. His habit and
disposition is real earnest and he mostly brings back what he goes
after. You could rake all hell with a fine-tooth comb and not find a
worse man to try you--if you killed Adam Forbes. If you did kill him
you're goin' to lose your shadow soon--and there's your fortune told,
right now."

"It is my thinking that I will make old bones yet, and tell tales in
the chimney corner. Now you sit back and smoke while I wash up," said
Johnny, gathering up the dishes. "I gotta ingratiate myself with you,
you know. Go on, now--tell us some more. And how about me having a
confidential with my friends?"

"That's just it. I was a-preparing of your mind, so you wouldn't be
disappointed too much. This prosecuting person, Wade--he done
instructed me not to let you see anyone except your lawyer."

"Lawyer, hell! What do I want of a lawyer?"

"Oh! Then you claim to be innocent, do you?" Gwinne's silken brows
arched in assumed astonishment.

"Well, I hope so!" said Johnny indignantly. "If I was claiming to be
guilty, why confab with my friends? Say, this is one raw deal if a
fellow can't get an even break."

"Wade claims you might frame up