sponds the Judge.

Anna interposes by saying they shall know quick enough. Placing a pen
and inkstand on the table, she takes her seat opposite them, and
commences watching their declining consciousness. "Thar," ejaculates the
old Judge, his moody face becoming dark and sullen, "let us have the
wish."

"You owe me an atonement, and you can discharge it by gratifying my
desire."

"Women," interposes the old Judge, dreamily, "always have wishes to
gratify. W-o-l, if its teu sign a warrant, hang a nigger, tar and
feather an abolitionist, ride the British Consul out a town, or send a
dozen vagrants to the whipping-post--I'm thar. Anything my hand's in
at!" incoherently mumbles this judicial dignitary.

Mr. Snivel having reminded the Judge that ten o'clock to-morrow morning
is the time appointed for meeting Splitwood, the "nigger broker," who
furnishes capital with which they start a new paper for the new party,
drops away into a refreshing sleep, his head on the marble.

"Grant me, as a favor, an order for the release of poor Tom Swiggs. You
cannot deny me this, Judge," says Anna, with an arch smile, and pausing
for a reply.

"Wol, as to that," responds this high functionary, "if I'd power,
'twouldn't be long afore I'd dew it, though his mother'd turn the town
upside down; but I hain't no power in the premises. I make it a rule, on
and off the bench, never to refuse the request of a pretty woman.
Chivalry, you know."

"For your compliment, Judge, I thank you. The granting my request,
however, would be more grateful to my feelings."

"It speaks well of your heart, my dear girl; but, you see, I'm only a
Judge. Mr. Snivel, here, probably committed him ('Snivel! here, wake
up!' he says, shaking him violently), he commits everybody. Being a
Justice of the Peace, you see, and justices of the peace being
everything here, I may prevail on him to grant your request!" pursues
the Judge, brightening up at the earnest manner in which Anna makes her
appeal. "Snivel! Snivel!--Justice Snivel, come, wake up. Thar is a call
for your sarvices." The Judge continues to shake the higher functionary
violently. Mr. Snivel with a modest snore rouses from his nap, says he
is always ready to do a bit of a good turn. "If you are, then,"
interposes the fair girl, "let it be made known now. Grant me an order
of release for Tom Swiggs. Remember what will be the consequence of a
refusal!"

"Tom Swiggs! Tom Swiggs!--why I've made a deal of fee