Besieged

It was nine o'clock. A thermometer on the terrace
showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above
zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and
the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky. We
had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one
had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves
with the idlest talk possible. Stoddard, who had
been to the chapel for his usual seven o'clock service, was
deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.

Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall,
and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending
Bates to keep watch toward the lake.

Our friend the sheriff, with a deputy, was outside
in a buggy. He stood up and talked to us over the wall.

"You gents understand that I'm only doing my duty.
It's an unpleasant business, but the court orders me to
eject all trespassers on the premises, and I've got to
do it."

"The law is being used by an infamous scoundrel to
protect himself. I don't intend to give in. We can
hold out here for three months, if necessary, and I advise
you to keep away and not be made a tool for a man
like Pickering."

The sheriff listened respectfully, resting his arms on
top of the wall.

"You ought to understand, Mr. Glenarm, that I ain't
the court; I'm the sheriff, and it's not for me to pass
on these questions. I've got my orders and I've got to
enforce 'em, and I hope you will not make it necessary
for me to use violence. The judge said to me, 'We deplore
violence in such cases.' Those were his Honor's
very words."