Law or no law, he would kill whoever attempted to take the boy from him, and Scratch Hill believing to a man that in so doing he would be well within his rights, was prepared to join in the fray.

Even Uncle Sammy, who had not been off the Hill in years, announced that no consideration of fatigue would keep him away from the scene of action and possible danger, and Yancy loaned him his mule and cart for the occasion.

When the patriarch was helped to his seat in the ancient vehicle he called loudly for his rifle.
"Why, pap, what do you want with a weapon ?" asked his son indulgently.
"If there air shootin' I may take a hand in it.

Now you-all give me a fair hour's start with this mule critter of Bob's, and if nothin' busts I'll be at the squire's as soon as the best of you." Uncle Sammy was given the time allowance he asked and then Scratch Hill wended its way down the path to the branch and the highroad.

Yancy led the straggling procession, with the boy trotting by his side, his little sunburned fist clasped in the man's great hand.