CLARENCE. 55

an aggrieved party, it is a matte».- f< r the F ederal courts t0 prosecute, and that the only officer we can recognize is the United States Marshal for the district. lVhen I add that the marshal, Colonel Cracken- thorpe, is one of my oldest friends, and an active sympathizer with the South in the present struggle, you will understand that any action from him in this matter is ex- ceedingly improbable. ”

The general murmur of laughter, relief, and approval was broken by the quiet voice of Judge Beeswinger.

“Let me see your warrant, Mr. Deputy Sheriff.”

The officer approached him with a slightly perplexed and constrained air, and exhibited the paper. Judge Beeswinger handed it back to him. “Colonel Star-bottle is quite right i11 his contention," he sai<l quietly; “the only officer that this assembly can rec- ognize is the United States Marshal or his legal deputy. But Colonel Star-bottle is wron g in his supposition that Colonel Crack- enthorpe still retains the functions of that office. He was removed by the President of the United States, and his successor vras ap- pointed and sworn in by the Federal judge