Upton Sinclair

“ His Honour was growing weary of such persistence. "Young man, what's the matter with you is that you've been reading dime novels, and they've got on your nerves!"
"But the men are right behind me, your Honour! Look at them!" ”

“ One of the committee of miners, John Edstrom, is now in Pedro, having been kept out of his home, which he had rented and paid for. The other, Mike Sikoria, was also thrown out of camp. There are many others at North Valley who know all about it."
There was a pause. Judge Denton for the first time took a good look at the young miner at his side; and then he drew his brows together in solemn thought, and his voice became deep and impressive. "I shall take this matter under advisement. What is your name, and where do you live?" ”

“ There are company thugs watching the place all the time."
"That's wild talk!" said the Judge, impatiently.
"As it happens," said Hal, "we are being followed by three of them at this moment--one of them the same Pete Hanun who helped to drive me out of North Valley. If you will turn your head you will see them behind us."
But the portly Judge did not turn his head.
"I have been informed," Hal continued, "that I am taking my life in my hands by my present course of action. I believe I'm entitled to ask for protection." ”