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.