he produced the warrant. "If agreeable to you, Bob,
I'll ask Uncle Sammy, as a third party friendly to both, to read this
here warrant," he said.

"Who's been a-warrantin' Bob Yancy?" cried Uncle Sammy, with shrill
interest.

"Dave Blount has."

"I knowed hit--I knowed he'd try to get even!" And Uncle Sammy struck
his walking-stick sharply on the packed earth of Yancy's dooryard.
"What's the charge agin you, Bob?"

"Read hit," said Balaam. "Why, sho'--can't you read plain writin', Uncle
Sammy?" for the patriarch was showing signs of embarrassment.

"If you gentlemen will let me--" said Carrington pleasantly. Instantly
there came a relieved chorus from the three in one breath.

"Why, sure!"

"Would my spectacles help you any, Mr. Carrington?" asked Uncle Sammy
officiously.

"No, I guess not."

"They air powerful seein' glasses, and I'm aweer some folks read a heap
easier with spectacles than without 'em." After a moment's scrutiny of
the paper that Balaam had thrust in his hand, Carrington began:

"To the Sheriff of the County of Cumberland: Greetings."

"He means me," explained Balaam. "He always makes 'em out to the
sheriff, but they are returned to me and I serve 'em." Carrington
resumed his reading,

"Whereas, It is alleged that a murderous assault has been committed on
one David Blount, of Fayetteville, by Robert Yancy, of Scratch Hill,
said Blount sustaining numerous bruises and contusions, to his great
injury of body and mind; and, whereas, it is further alleged that said
murderous assault was wholly unprovoked and without cause, you will
forthwith take into custody the person of said Yancy, of Scratch Hill,
charged with having inflicted the bruises and contusions herein set
forth in the complaint of said Blount, and instantly bring him into our
presence to answer to these various and several crimes and misdemeanors.
You are empowered to seize said Yancy wherever he may be at; whether on
the hillside or in the valley, eating or sleeping, or at rest.

"De Lancy Balaam, Magistrate.

"Fourth District, County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina. Done
this twenty-fourth day of May, 1835.

"P.S. Dear Bob: Dave Blount says he ain't able to chew his meat. I
thought you'd be glad to know."

Smilingly Carrington folded the warrant and handed it to Yancy.

"Well, what are you goin' to do about hit, Bob?" inquired Balaam.

"Maybe I'd ought to go. I'd like to oblige the squire," said Yancy.