As he spoke he
handed the warrant to Betts, who looked at it, grinned, and
stepped toward Hues. He would have pushed the judge aside had
not that gentleman, bowing civilly, made way for him.
"In my profound respect for the law and properly constituted
authority I yield to no man, not even to Colonel Fentress," he
said, with a gracious gesture. "I would not place the slightest
obstacle in the way of its sanctioned manifestation. Colonel
Fentress comes here with that high sanction." He bowed again
ceremoniously to the colonel. "I repeat, I respect his
dependence upon the law!" He whirled suddenly.
Cavendish--Yancy--Carrington--I call upon you to arrest John
Murrell! I do this by virtue of the authority vested in me as a
judge of the United States Federal Court. His crime--a mere
trifle, my friends--passing counterfeit money! Colonel Fentress
will inform you that this is a violation of the law which falls
within my jurisdiction," and he beamed blandly on Fentress.
"It's a lie!" cried the colonel.
"You'll answer for that later!" said the judge, with abrupt
austerity of tone.
"For all we know you may be some fugitive from justice! Why,
your name isn't Price!"
"Are you sure of that?" asked the judge quickly.
"You're an impostor! Your name is Turberville!"
"Permit me to relieve your apprehensions. It is Turberville who
has received the appointment. Would you like to examine my
credentials?--I have them by me--no? I am obliged for your
introduction.
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