se place of this meeting, although we
knew of its existence. I was sworn in this morning at Santa Inez by the
judge of this district, and these gentlemen with me are my posse."

There was a quick movement of resistance by the members, which was,
however, again waived blandly aside by Colonel Starbottle. Leaning
forward in a slightly forensic attitude, with his fingers on the table
and a shirt frill that seemed to have become of itself erectile, he
said, with pained but polite precision, "I grieve to have to state, sir,
that even that position is utterly untenable here. I am a lawyer myself,
as my friend here, Judge Beeswinger--eh? I beg your pardon!"

The officer of the law had momentarily started, with his eyes fixed
on Judge Beeswinger, who, however, seemed to be quietly writing at the
table.

"As Judge Beeswinger," continued Colonel Starbottle, "will probably tell
you and as a jurist himself, he will also probably agree with me when
I also inform you that, as the United States government is an aggrieved
party, it is a matter for the Federal courts to prosecute, and that
the only officer we can recognize is the United States Marshal for the
district. When I add that the marshal, Colonel Crackenthorpe, is one
of my oldest friends, and an active sympathizer with the South in the
present struggle, you will understand that any action from him in this
matter is exceedingly improbable."

The general murmur of laughter, relief, and approval was broken by the
quiet voice of Judge Beeswinger.

"Let me see your warrant, Mr. Deputy Sheriff."

The officer approached him with a slightly perplexed and constrained
air, and exhibited the paper. Judge Beeswinger handed it back to him.
"Colonel Starbottle is quite right in his contention," he said quietly;
"the only officer that this assembly can recognize is the United States
Marshal or his legal deputy. But Colonel Starbottle is wrong in his
supposition that Colonel Crackenthorpe still retains the functions of
that office. He was removed by the President of the United States, and
his successor was appointed and sworn in by the Federal judge early
this morning." He paused, and folding up the paper on which he had been
writing, placed it in the hands of the deputy. "And this," he continued
in the same even voice, "constitutes you his deputy, and will enable you
to carry out your duty in coming here."

"What the devil does this mean, sir? Who are you?" gasped Colonel
Starbottle,