“Do you mean to tell me, sir, that freedom of speech is not allowed?” he demanded, with some show of heat.
“Perfect freedom, if you pick and choose your topic,” responded Mr. Saul.
“Humph!” ejaculated the judge.
“Now you might talk to me with all the freedom you like, but I'd recommend you were cautious with strangers. There have been those who've talked freely that have been advised to keep still or harm would come of it.”
“And did harm come of it?” asked the judge.
“They always kept still.”
“What do you mean by talking freely?”
“Like asking how so and so got the money to buy his last batch of niggers,” explained Mr. Saul rather vaguely.
“And Colonel Fentress is one of those about whose affairs it is best not to show too much curiosity?”
“He is, decidedly. His friends appear to set a heap by him. Another of his particular intimates is a gentleman by the name of Murrell.”