"Mr. Benton got the start of me; but I have shown my good-will, all the same. Shall we go, now?"
Budd thought, by his look more than his words, that he desired to see him alone, and so followed him out of the court-room.
When they reached the street, Mr. Wright took Budd by the arm and led him away from the throng that was pouring out of the building, and said:
"Look out for Mr. Benton. His name on your bond to-day means mischief. I don't know what game he is about to play, but by putting my own there I hope to baffle him."
Before Budd could express his surprise at Mr. Wright's words they were joined by Judd and Mr. Dane. That gentleman shook hands with the released lad and said:
"Had I been known to the Justice I should have offered myself for your bondsman, though you should never have needed one. How in the world that thick-headed Justice could have given such a decision is a mystery to me. I----"
But what the speaker was to have said was cut short by a nudge from Judd.
Mr. Johnson and the Justice were passing, and that his words had been heard was only too evident by Mr. Johnson's frown and the Justice's ridiculous action.
"I fine you ten dollars for contempt of court," he said, angrily, stopping and facing Mr. Dane.
"I believe your court is adjourned, and I am on the public highway, expressing my private opinion to friends," replied Mr. Dane, coolly. "But I am not surprised at your want of judgment. It is only on a par with that you showed in the court-room, and suggests the fact that this town is sadly in need of at least one new Justice."