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"Yes, about as much as yours is by the people."

" Beware, sir. What have you to say for yourself? "

" I deny the jurisdiction of the court," exclaimed the prisoner, "to try the case, on the ground that this court has no legal existence, the people having taken the authority into their own hands. I am prepared to argue the question if I be permitted."

"Have you no other defence?"

"Yes, I am a friend of Bill Lewis and Billy Mulligan," said the prisoner.

"Why, the man is mad!" exclaimed the mayor; "I will send you before the county judge to try the question of your sanity."

"You will find I am not crazy."

"Silence, sir!" thundered the mayor. "Officer, take him away."

Probably the most notorious of all our supreme judges was Hugh C. Murray, a man utterly abandoned in character, immoral, venal, and thoroughly corrupt. Even in those days of unblushing laxit}^ he was prominent for impudent indecorum. Among gamblers he was always at home, and could deal faro with the best of them ; of drinking saloons he was a constant habitue, having^ lono; scores at all the firstclass bar-rooms of Sacramento and San Francisco, lor he seldom paid for his drinks, or for anything else which could be obtained upon credit. Shuulderstrikers were his friends, lewd women his companions; he was a Californian Caligula, with his adherent politicians, gladiators, and courtesans.

As supreme judge, the profits were surer than in dealing monte. To anyone having a suit which should be brouo;ht before him, he did not hesitate deliberately to become indebted, neither side ever expecting payment. Though wearing a bland and polished exterior, inwardly he was as stumpy, misshapen, and graceless as a Scandinavian troll. And what made it the worse for the country was that