“I've been a deputy in the sheriff's office for a few years now, and I've done my best to do my job without concern over who knows who or what school or what church they've attended. I'm a member of the Latter-Day Saints, a Mormon, if you will, and I don't try to deny or hide that. I know many of you are not members or have lapsed away from the church. That makes no difference to me.

“I try to be right and fair in all that I do. When I'm not, it's a failing, not an intent. I wish no one ill, but I want this county to stay the good place it's always been. There are good people here who mostly mind their own business and stay to the right. That's a good thing, and I don't mean to change it. But there are outsiders here now who are looking to change our lives. They're offering some pretty good money to people willing to break the law. I understand that that's a big temptation. But the law is backed by good reasons and judgment, not just ours but our forefathers’ and the Heavenly Father's. Those outsiders would have us sell our lives and happiness for a few dollars. I don't think that's worth it.”

“But it ain't ‘a few’ dollars,” someone said.

McBride smiled. “No. I guess it's not. But compared to the peaceful, happy lives we lead here, it's not enough, I wouldn't think.”

“What are you going to do about bootlegging?”

McBride smiled again. “I believe I've heard about that. Some of it may even be pretty close by. Bootlegging is against the law, and I'm for the law, so I'm against bootlegging. I'm not going to go busting into people's houses or their businesses, either, if I can help it.” He stopped and glanced back at Ike. “But when we find a bootlegger, we'll arrest and try him. I won't lie. I would like to see the practice wiped out. I know others disagree, but I think the prohibition is a good law that helps to keep things peaceful. Like I said, I'm not a crusader, and I won't go around breaking down doors, but I'll try my best to put an end to the illegal business when I find it.”

Ike stopped him before he could go further. “We've a good, long history with Sheriff Alger, Mr. McBride. I'm not sure we want or need to change that.”

“I do understand, and I understand that I probably can't say much to change that. Sheriff Alger has let you be, and I mostly will, too. Though, if I know of illegal goings-on, I'm duty bound to try to put a stop to them. If you do change your mind and want to elect a sheriff who's fair and who won't favor one side or one man over another, you'll want to consider Frank McBride.”

“I guess you've had your say,” Ike said.