“Tom Ware has acted in a straightforward manner.  He’s stated frankly he was opposed to the match, that when he heard about it on his way to Memphis he turned back and made every effort to get to the church in time to stop it if he could,” said Mr. Saul.

“Mr. Ware need not be considered,” observed the judge.

“Well, there’s been a heap of talk.”

“If he’d inspired the firing of the fatal shot he’d have kept away from the church.  No, no, Mr. Saul, is there anybody hereabout who aspired to Miss Malroy’s hand—­any rejected suitor?”

“Not that we know of.”

“Under ordinary circumstances, sir, I am opposed to measures that ignore the constituted authorities, but we find ourselves living under extraordinary conditions, and the law—­God save the name —­has proved itself abortive.  It is time for the better element to join bands; we must get together, sir.  I am willing to take the initial steps and issue the call for a mass meeting of our best citizens.  I am prepared to address such a meeting.”  The very splendor of his conception dazzled the judge; this promised a gorgeous publicity with his name flying broadcast over the county.  He continued: 

“I am ready to give my time gratuitously to directing the activities of a body of picked men who shall rid the county of the lawless element.  God knows, sir, I desire the repose of a private career, yet I am willing to sacrifice myself.  Is it your opinion, Mr. Saul, that I should move in this matter?”

“I advise you didn’t,” said Mr. Saul, with disappointing alacrity.

The judge looked at him fixedly.

“Am I wrong in supposing, Mr. Saul, that if I determine to act as I have outlined I shall have your indorsement?” he demanded.  Mr. Saul looked extremely uncomfortable; he was finding the judge’s effulgent personality rather compelling.  “There is no gentleman whose support I should value in quite the same sense that I should value yours, Mr. Saul; I should like to feel my course met with your full approval,” pursued the judge, with charming deference.

“You’ll get yourself shot full of holes,” said Mr. Saul.

“What causes me to hesitate is this:  my name is unfamiliar to your citizens.  You know their prejudices, Mr. Saul; how would they regard me if I put myself forward?”

“Can’t say how they would take it,” rejoined Mr. Saul.

Again the judge gave him a fixed scrutiny.  Then ha shook him warmly by the hand.

“Think of what I have said; ponder it, sir, and let me have your answer at another time.”  And he backed from Mr. Saul’s presence with spectacular politeness.

“A cheap mind!” thought the judge, as he hurried up the street.

He broached the subject to Mr. Wesley the postmaster, to Mr. Ellison the gunsmith, to Mr. Pegloe, employing much the same formula he had used with Mr. Saul, and with results almost identical.  He imagined there must be some conspiracy afoot to keep him out of the public eye, and in the end he managed to lose his temper.