“What’s this—what letter?” the sheriff asked sharply.
“You all know that I am to preside at the trial of Pete Cable for murder, which takes place a week from to-day. Last week I received a warning signed by the Lava Gang, saying if I did not see that Cable was acquitted, some terrible thing would happen to me.”
“What did yuh do with the letter?” the sheriff demanded.
The judge shrugged. “I tore it up.”
“You are not going to pay any attention to the letter?” Bill Anderson asked curiously as his eyes searched the judge’s face.
“I intend to see justice done,” the judge replied firmly.
Bill Anderson pursed his lips and whistled soundlessly. The others turned and frowned at him. He smiled apologetically.
“No offense, judge. I was admiring your courage. If, as you seem to think, the Lava Gang did this, I would stay in after dark,” the plump politician said.
“To blazes with the Lava Gang! We’ll have the whole bunch in jail before the trial is finished,” Sam Hogg exploded.
Bill Anderson lit a cigarette, then smiled.