A vigorous, well-directed kick, delivered in the nick of time, sent the gun whirling away into the bushes and rendered the native's right arm useless.
"Get up!" commanded Brian.
The man rose to his feet, and stood nursing his damaged wrist and scowling at Judy's companion.
"Are you this girl's father ?" "I reckon I am," came the sullen reply.

"I'm Jap Taylor, an' you-all are sure goin' to find that you can't come between a man an' his lawful child in these here mountains, mister,--if you-all be from the city." "And you will find that you can't strike a crippled girl in my presence, even if she is your daughter,--in these mountains or anywhere else," retorted Brian.

"What are you trying to do with her, anyway ?" "I aim ter take her back home with me, where she belongs." "Well, why didn't you go to the house for her like a man, instead of jumping on her out here in the woods!" "Hit ain't none of your dad burned business as I can see," came the sullen reply.
"I am making it my business, just the same," returned Brian.
He turned to the girl, who had drawn back a little behind him.

"Judy," he said, kindly, "I think perhaps you better tell me about this." "Pap, he was a-layin' for me in the bresh 'cause he dassn't come to the house ter git me," said the girl, fearfully.
"But, why does he fear to come to the house ?" persisted Brian.
"'Cause he done give me ter Auntie Sue." "Gave you to Auntie Sue ?" repeated the puzzled Brian.
Jap Taylor interrupted with, "I didn't sign ary paper, an'-- " "Shut up, you!" snapped Brian.

"Go on, Judy." "Hit was a year last corn-plantin'," explained the girl.