Whatever maneuvers he might resort to in business affairs in order to avoid a conflict with his lawless neighbors, he was courageous and inflexible on the bench.

The Squire was the better part of him.

With the co-operation of the constable, he had organized a _posse_ of men who could be depended on to enforce the law against a mob.
By the time the trial opened in the large school-house in Clifty at eleven o'clock, all the surrounding country had emptied its population into Clifty, and all Flat Creek was on hand ready to testify to something.

Those who knew the least appeared to know the most, and were prodigal of their significant winks and nods.

Mrs.Means had always suspected him.