Now go on!" he finished sternly.
"I only know what Bladen told me," said Blount sullenly.
"Well, I reckon Mr.Bladen ought to feel obliged to tell the truth," said the squire.
"He done give me the order from the judge of the co't--I was to show it to Bob Yancy--" "Got that order ?" demanded the squire sharply.

With a smile, damaged, but clearly a smile, Blount produced the order.

"Hmm--app'inted guardeen of the boy--" the squire was presently heard to murmur.

The crowded room was very still now, and more than one pair of eyes were turned pityingly in Yancy's direction.

When the long arm of the law reached out from Fayetteville, where there was a real judge and a real sheriff, it clothed itself with very special terrors.