"What's the use of throwing Moxlow off on a fresh scent?"
"That's a very remarkable point of view!" said the judge, with a mirthless laugh.
In the utter selfishness that his fear had engendered, it seemed a monstrous thing to Langham that any one should wish to clear North, in whose conviction lay his own salvation. More than this, he had every reason to hate North, and if he were hanged it would be but a roundabout meting out of justice for that hideous wrong he had done him, the shame of which was ever present. He saw one other thing clearly, the necessity that Gilmore should be left alone; for the very moment the gambler felt the judge was moving against him, that moment would come his fierce demands that he be called off—that Marshall quiet him, no matter how.
"Have you been near North since his arrest?" asked the judge, apparently speaking at random.
"No," said Marshall.
"May I ask if you are offended because of his choice of counsel?"
"That has nothing to do with it!" said the younger man, moving impatiently in his chair.
"I do not like your attitude in this matter, Marshall; I like it as little as I understand it. But I have given my warning. Keep clear of that fellow Gilmore, do not involve yourself in his fortunes, or the result may prove disastrous to you!"
"I want him let alone!" said Marshall doggedly, speaking with desperate resolution.
"Why?" asked the judge.