I believe under the circumstances you are justified, Knox.

Perhaps I'd do the same thing if I was in your place and had your youth behind me.

But I am a lawyer, fifty years old, and this is my home.

If the story ever got out that I took part in nigger stealing, that would be the end of me in Missouri.

As you say, you are a young man, and I reckon you were not brought up in the South either.