"We fetches him in the house and lays him on the bed. The peg-leg
man sends me to tell Mister Wes. After that, I heads for the
woods. I gets me a squirrel-first shot, Mister Jodie! Then, when
you sends me in there with that kindlin' wood, I crams the little
fox squirrel in Mister Ward's pocket!"
"My Lord, Ned! You oughtn't to have done that!"
"Mister Jodie, I just can't let the Lawmens get Little Stray!
Look down there at him, Mister Jodie, a-holdin' the puppies and
playin' on the floor with the chiliens. See, he done give your
baby one o' his empty shells. That boy love empty shotgun shells
better'n anything he ever see'd. He tromp up and down the roads
lookin' for shells. Look at him! His poor back won't never be
straight!"
"Ned, you don't seem to understand!"
"I hates to lie, Mister Jodie, but I gwine t' do it for
Stray. This mornin' Mister Wes passes by early. Say he be
fetchin' the Law! I gets plum worried!"
"If Mister Wes does bring the sheriff, he-"
"I wants you to take me to town, Mister Jodie, quick as you
can.
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