“Do you suppose I would go and leave you and the children?” “You know you couldn’t defend us, and we don’t need it. We’re a great deal safer without you than with you. I should fret all the time for fear that you had fallen into their hands, to be sure; but I _know_ there is no chance for you to escape death if you stay here.” Marmor returned to his office, and found that his friends had all left. He saw them approaching Rives’s house. There they found Captain Doc and the Trial Justice in earnest conversation. “I can’t appear before your court, Judge Rives—not to-day,” said the captain; “for I feel that your court is unable to protect my life, and I believe my life is unsafe. I am willing that yo’ should go to work and draw up a bond, that yo’ think proper, and I am willing to give bonds to a higher court, where I think my life will be safe. The reason I come to yo’ to tell yo’, is because I don’t want yo’ to suppose that I treat yo’r court with no disrespect by not coming; but it is because I don’t think my life is safe.” The Justice reflected. “Well, you must use your own judgment,” said he. “Of course, if your life is unsafe, and if these men intend to take your life, of course, I can’t protect you. I haven’t protection enough to protect you; my constables can’t do much!” “That is my belief,” replied Doc, “and for that reason I don’t want to go befo’ yo’r court without yo’ force me to; and then if I am killed, yo’ will be responsible.” “You can use your own judgment, Captain. I shall go to court at the proper time. Your name, of course, will be called, and if you don’t answer to your name—well, _you won’t be there to answer_. It’s a pity but this thing couldn’t be settled without going to court. I’m afraid once at the court room it will be impossible to get along without trouble.” “Well, I want it settled,” said Doc. “And I,” “And I,” said the two Lieutenants. “Well, then, suppose I go for you, and ask what will give satisfaction,” said Springer. “All right,” was the ready response from all. Mr. Springer met Judge Kanrasp coming down the street, from his interview with the General, and each communicated the message he bore, and thought the best thing for the safety of the town, was to get the parties together with the crowd excluded. “Who is to take the guns?” asked Mr. Springer. “I don’t know. The Governor, I suppose. If not, that may alter the case.” “If Gen. Baker will guarantee the safety of the men, I believe they will be safe, but he should guarantee the safety of the town also.” “So say I,” replied Judge Kanrasp, and each passed on his errand. Judge K. reported to the officers only Gen. Baker’s request for an interview, and withheld his proposition for a settlement. Soon Mr. Springer returned with the same request from the General. They all approached the door, and Doc went out upon the street, but re-entered immediately.