actly, Miss Betty. You see, there's an order from the
Fayetteville co't fo' me to give him up to this man Bladen."

"But Uncle Bob says--" began Hannibal, who considered his Uncle Bob's
remarks on this point worth quoting.

"Never mind what yo' Uncle Bob said," interrupted Yancy hastily.

"Oh, Mr. Yancy, you are not going to surrender him--no matter what the
court says!" cried Betty. The expression on Yancy's face was so grim and
determined on the instant with the latent fire that was in him flashing
from his eyes that she added quickly, "You know the law is for you as
well as for Mr. Bladen!"

"I reckon I won't bother the law none," responded Yancy briefly. "Me and
my nevvy will go back to Scratch Hill and there won't be no trouble
so long as they leave us be. But them Fayetteville folks want to keep
away--" The fierce light slowly died out of his eyes. "It'll be all
right, ma'am, and it's mighty good and kind of you fo' to feel the way
you do. I'm obliged to you."

But Betty was by no means sure of the outcome Yancy seemed to predict
with such confidence. Unless Bladen abandoned his purpose, which he was
not likely to do, a tragedy was clearly pending for Scratch Hill.
She saw the boy left friendless, she saw Yancy the victim of his own
primitive conception of justice. Therefore she said:

"I wonder you don't leave the Hill, Mr. Yancy. You could so easily go
where Mr. Bladen would never find you. Haven't you thought of this?"

"That are a p'int," agreed Yancy slowly. "Might I ask what parts you'd
specially recommend?" lifting his grave eyes to hers.

"It would really be the sensible thing to do!" said Betty. "I am sure
you would like West Tennessee--they say you are a great hunter." Yancy
smiled almost guiltily.

"I like a little spo't now and then yes, ma'am, I do hunt some," he
admitted.

"Miss Betty, Uncle Bob's the best shot we got! You had ought to see him
shoot!" said Hannibal.

"Mr. Yancy, if you should cross the mountains, remember I live near
Memphis. Belle Plain is the name of the plantation--it's not hard to
find; just don't forget--Belle Plain."

"I won't forget, and mebby you will see us there one of these days.
Sho', I've seen mighty little of the world--about as far as a dog can
trot it a couple of hours!"

"Just think what it will mean to Hannibal if you become involved further
with Mr. Bladen." Betty spoke earnestly, bending toward him, and Yancy
understood the meaning that lay back of