human
Will they storm the jail?
gpt
No, these people will do nothing. But they show the spirit of the time. All it needs now is organization, cool, deliberate organization--to-morrow.
human
That's just what I've hunted you out to talk about, said Keith earnestly.
gpt
There is much talk of a Vigilance Committee. As you say, all it needs is the call. That means lawlessness, bloodshed.
human
Conditions at present are intolerable,
gpt
I agree with you, replied Keith. King stared.
human
But in this case I assure you the law will do its duty. It is an absolutely open and shut case. Acquittal is impossible. Why, I myself was witness of the affair.
gpt
Hundreds of such cases have been acquitted, or the indictment quashed.
human
But this is entirely different. In the first place, the case will come before Judge Norton and Judge Hazen, both of whom you will acknowledge are honest. In the second place, this case will be in my hands as Assistant District Attorney. I myself shall do the prosecuting, and I promise you on my honour that every effort will be made for a deserved and speedy conviction. I acknowledge justice has sometimes gone wrong in the past; but that has not been the fault of the law, but of the administration of the law. If you have the least confidence in Judge Norton and Judge Hazen, and if you can be brought to believe me, you will see that this one case of all cases should not be taken from the constituted authorities or made the basis for a movement outside the law.
gpt
Well?
human
The _Bulletin_ has the greatest influence with these people. Use it. Give the law, the honest law, a chance. Do not get back of any Vigilante movement. In that way, I am convinced, you will be of the greatest public service.