anywhere; polished, sir, so smooth your fingers would slip if you
tried to take hold of him, but it's been commented on that when a
horsethief or counterfeiter gets into trouble the colonel's
always first choice for counsel."

"Get's 'em off, does he?" The judge spoke somewhat grimly.

"Mighty nigh always. But then he has most astonishing luck in
the matter of witnesses. That's been commented on too." The
judge nodded comprehendingly. "I reckon you'd call Tom Ware, out
at Belle Plain, one of Fentress' closest friends. He's another
of your conundrums. I wouldn't advise you to be too curious
about the colonel."

"Why not?" The judge was frowning now.

"It will make you unpopular with a certain class. Those of us
who've been here long enough have learned that there are some of
these conundrums we'd best not ask an answer for."

The judge pondered this.

"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.