argue with the Colonel that I must have my books
to examine the law. It is only four miles to the county line,
where you will be all right. Take the trail over the mountain,
and they will not know which way you have gone. When you get into
your own county, remember me on election day. This county and
Rutherford County send three members to the Legislature. I am a
candidate, and the vote of your friends in these counties will
secure my election. When I send for my books appear and bid us
good-by, as though you were not afraid of any man. Col. Tucker
has promised that he will use no violence if I give him a writ."

The Justice then gave me a token of the Brotherhood, and walked
out to confer with Col. Tucker. He sent his nephew back for his
books, instructing him in whispers to delay in getting them, so
as to give me time to get out of the county before an officer
could overtake me.

After the boy started, the Justice told the Colonel to keep cool
and he would soon have a writ for me. I went into the dining-room
and sat down to breakfast, and ate a little as a blind. Then
taking up my saddlebags, I bade them all good-by. I walked to my
horse, that stood hitched where the servant had left him.

As I left the house Justice Walls followed me as though he was
much surprised, and said:

"Parson Lee, I hope you will tarry until this matter can be
settled amicably."

Again I told him that I had violated no law; that my ministerial
engagements compelled me to leave, and I should have done so
before had not this unpleasant affair detained me; that I chose
to serve God rather than fear the ire of man.

Thus saying, I placed my saddle upon my horse. Col. Tucker
leveled his gun on me, and said:

"I knew you would run."

At this I turned and eyed him and told him to put up his gun;
that I had borne all I intended to from him; that if he attempted
violence he would never trouble another man. At the same time the
Justice exhorted him to be careful, saying that he had made
himself liable already. I mounted my horse and turned to the
Colonel and told him he might guard that woodpile until the day
of judgment, for all I cared. He again raised his gun, but was
prevented by the by-standers from shooting. I rode off leisurely,
and when about seventy-five yards away I stopped and watered my
horse. Tucker again drew his gun on me, and I expected him to
shoot every moment, but I dared not show fear.

My road lay along the mountain