I never met a sheriff who wasn't." The sheriff smiled at this, and did not deny it.
"Very well.

Now, I may tell you my belief is that this case is going to have a powerful influence on your re-election.

Here is a young and pretty woman who is to be tried for a terrible crime.

Whether she is guilty or innocent, public sympathy is going to be with her.

If I were in your place, I would prefer to be known as her friend rather than as her enemy." "My dear sir," said the sheriff, "my official position puts me in the attitude of neither friend nor enemy of the unfortunate woman.