The army had been passing a given point, and Jim was sitting quietly on the fence looking at the soldiers.

The conscripting squad nabbed him.

Jim tried to beg off, but all entreaty was in vain.
He wanted to go by home and tell his wife and children good-bye, and to get his clothes.

It was no go.

But, after awhile, Jim says, "Gentlemen, ay, Ganny, the law!" You see, Jim "knowed" the law.