"No," said Gwinne regretfully, "I'm not. The justice is gone, the sheriff's gone, and the district judge is always gone except when court sits here. But the prosecuting attorney--he serves for the whole district, five counties, like the judge, you know--why, by bad luck, he's right here, a-hoppin' and a-rarin'. So I'm under orders." "Well, so am I. What are they? What can I do to help?" The ham sizzled merrily. "Um-m!" said Johnny appreciatively. "You might set the table. I'll do the cooking to-day. If so be you get to be a star boarder you'll have to do your share of the cooking--though I reckon they'll want me to keep you under key if you're bound over. Come to think, this prosecuting person would likely kick like a green bay horse if he knew I was lettin' you mill round foot-loose. However, he don't know. How many eggs? Hard or soft?" "Oh, about four--medium. We can always cook more if we have to. And four pods of _chili_. But why has the prosecutor got it in for me? He don't want to cinch me unless I'm guilty, does he?" "It isn't that, exactly. You see, it has got out that you ride for the Bar Cross. And the Bar Cross boys got Wade's goat, some way, down in Cruces. I don't know what they did, but he's sure on the peck, and here's where he stands to break even. Pour the coffee. Tin cow yonder on the shelf." "Oh, well--he may have a little fun coming to him," said Johnny generously. "But let us hope, for his own sake, that he gives me a fair shake when it comes to my trial. If the Bar Cross and the John Cross aren't just satisfied they are capable of any rudeness--abandoned ruffians! Say, I hope someone took care of my Twilight horse." "He's all right. I put him up with Otto Gans, myself. There, she's ready. _Sientese!_" The jailer seated himself opposite the guest. "No butter. You'll have to excuse me." "Butter, hell. Whadya think I am--an incubator kid? Say, there's a few old vets here in Hillsboro that used to know my dad--me, too, when I was a little shaver, some of them. Spinal Maginnis, George Perrault, Kayler, Nick Galles and Preisser. H'm, let me see--and Jake Blun, Mabury and Page. Could you manage me a palaver with some one or two of 'em after breakfast?" "Pleasure first, pain afterwards," growled Gwinne. "You eat a few lines while I hold high discourse to you about the good and great. District attorneys, now. Us being a territory thataway, district attorneys are appointed by the President--allee same like our judges and U. S. marshals and clerks of the court. All of 'em are appointed for four years, the same being the President's term. Presidents being so constituted by a wise and beneficent Providence, they appoint men from states where said men and their friends, if any, vote for President, and not from our humble midst. 'Cause why? We're not allowed to vote. More coffee?" Johnny held his cup. Gwinne took up his discourse.