The judge nodded.
“I've met him,” he said briefly. “Does he belong hereabouts?”
“No, hardly; he seems to hold a sort of roving commission. His home is, I believe, near Denmark, in Madison County.”
“What's his antecedents?”
“He's as common a white man as ever came out of the hills, but he appears to stand well with Colonel Fentress.”
“Colonel Fentress!” The judge spat in sheer disgust.
“You don't appear to fancy the colonel—” said Mr. Saul.
“I don't fancy wearing a gag—and damned if I do!” cried the judge.
“Oh, it ain't that exactly; it's just minding your own business. I reckon you'll find there's lot's to be said in favor of goin' ca'mly on attending strictly to your own affairs, sir,” concluded Mr. Saul.
Acting on a sudden impulse, the judge turned to the door. The business and the hope that had brought him there were forgotten. He muttered something about returning later, and hastily quitted the office.