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. But Colonel Starbottle is wrong in his
supposition that Colonel Crackenthorpe still retains the functions of
that office. He was removed by the President of the United States, and
his successor was appointed and sworn in by the Federal judge early
this morning." He paused, and folding up the paper on which he had been
writing, placed it in the hands of the deputy. "And this," he continued
in the same even voice, "constitutes you his deputy, and will enable you
to carry out your duty in coming here."
"What the devil does this mean, sir? Who are you?" gasped Colonel
Starbottle, recoiling suddenly from the man at his side.
"I am the new United States Marshal for the Southern District of
California."
CHAPTER III.
Unsuspected and astounding as the revelation was to Clarence, its
strange reception by the conspirators seemed to him as astounding.
He had started forward, half expecting that the complacent and
self-confessed spy would be immolated by his infuriated dupes. But to
his surprise the shock seemed to have changed their natures, and given
them the dignity they had lacked. The excitability, irritation, and
recklessness which had previously characterized them had disappeared.
The deputy and his posse, who had advanced to the assistance of their
|