Mr Monterrey walked into the jail with a smile none of the people present deemed warranted. He made a point of shaking everyone's hand and took his hat of in front of Mary Travis who was acting as a scribe for the occasion.
"Thank you for joining us, Mr Monterrey," the judge spoke without hesitation. "If you don't mind, I'd like to have the entire process completed by dinner," the judge was warning everyone present.
"We have Mrs Mary Travis acting as scribe, Mr John Douglas representing the prosecution, Mr Josiah Sanchez for defence, Mr Standish, the accused, Mr Dunne for the law and myself, Oren Travis as the presiding judge." Mary's writing was fast but precise.
"I have had a moment to examine the documents you've submitted in Mr Standish's defence and believe that they could go to show that Mr Standish's sum of money was gained independently of the crime he is being prosecuted for."
Prosecutor Douglas rolled his eyes impatiently, but returned an apologetic look when the judge arched a menacing eyebrow.
"We have convened here to gather context for this documentation. Are you willing to provide it, Mr Monterrey?"
"I am, your honour." Montgomery became as official as the rest of the people present.
"Do you swear to relay the information truthfully and to the best of your knowledge?"
"I do."
"And you are aware that falsifying evidence whether in written or oral form is a crime punishable by prison sentence and in severe cases death?"
"I am, your honour."
"Mr Monterrey, to the best of your knowledge and supported by documentation you provided, what is the origin of the $1000 sum in question?"
"Your honour, I relay the information that has been given to me: The $1000 was a prize on Jonas Johnson's head. The man was wanted dead or alive and he was brought to justice at the start of this year."
"And how did it come to Mr Standish's possession?"
"Mr Standish assisted the... Apprehension. The money was placed in the local bank to avoid being mugged on the long ride back to Four Corners. I assume Mr Standish transferred the money on his own accord."
"And why would a party you represent put so much money in the accused's bank account? And why call it dowry? It doesn't add up," the prosecutor was unimpressed.
"It is my understanding that the title of the lodgement was used as flirtation and possible hint of marriage."
"Ezra, is this true?" the judge demanded.
"Everything that the gentleman said so far shows he is adequately informed."
Ezra was on guard. Everything about Mr Monterrey was an unanswered riddle.
"I should hold you in custody for contempt of court," the judge raised his voice. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"
"I had no hope of proof sooner," the gambler fixed his eyes on the man with exonerating testimony.
"The court will accept given testimony as truthful. Thank you, Mary," the judge checked to see that she had written everything down.
"Gentlemen, sign at the bottom; followed by defence and prosecution."
"Your honour..." the prosecutor had nothing but the judge's name to protest with.
"I want to put this farce as far behind us as possible. If I am interrupted, Mr Douglas, I might be forced to examine your case building techniques."
The man seemed to grow shorter under the judge's flaming glare. Dinnertime was approaching and the judge had had a light lunch.
"If I may enquire before I sign," the Southerner drawled pointedly. "On whose behalf are you assisting me with my legal issues?"
"My wife's," Montgomery said with a courteous bow.
Ezra flinched invisibly and took a short breath before he signed his last name. He passed the quill to his saviour without looking at him.
As the procession of men signed after him, he bowed in mockery: "I apologise that I couldn't assist your investigation better," he said to Mr Douglas. The man, seemingly resigned to another unsolved case, didn't notice him. Ezra had almost reached the sunshine when the judge changed his mind.
"Mr Standish," a voice called and the gambler turned. "In order to make this official, we need to hold final court proceedings." The judge motioned towards the cells with his arms. Ezra groaned inwardly.
"Is this really necessary?"
The judge spoke after he had locked the door over the con man's face.
"Don't ever waste my time again," came a sincere piece of advice. But it sounded more like a threat.