Chapter Four
We were all outside of the magistrate's office. Daddy was teaching Cotton how to play checkers, Uncle Jim was playing a tune on his fiddle, and the rest of us were just standing there listening. Well I was kind of perched on the top of the railing.
"You don't make that move Cotton." Uncle Wall said, stopping Cotton from making a move. "See your daddy won't tell you that because he's trying to beat you."
"Thanks Uncle Wall." Cotton said happily, though looking confused as to why Daddy would not tell him that. Daddy looked at Uncle Wall exasperated.
"Yeah, thanks Uncle Wall." Daddy said, sarcastically. I snickered. Uncle Wall and Uncle Anse got into a discussion about leaving things be. I rolled my eyes and then yelled out to Cotton.
"Not there, Cotton!" I said. Cap shook his head and leaned against the post.
"Will - "
"It's Cap now." Uncle Jim said, plucking on his fiddle. Daddy nodded.
"Cap, why don't you take Liza to the General Store?" Daddy asked. He flicked a silver piece our way. "Get some candy or something." I nodded. Cap nodded as well before we made our way to the General Store. I got a few pieces of candy for everyone as well as a small book for Cap. He loved to read.
"Here, Cap." I gave him the book. He looked at me gratefully. As we was in the General Store, we missed all the ruckus Bill Staton caused. But that night he was found dead. Uncle Anse took Cap, Johnsy, and others to go round up the McCoy brother's who killed Bill Staton.
I was standing beside Daddy, Uncle Elias, and Will when the McCoy's made their way into town. I mentally groaned as they pulled up in their wagon. Uncle Jim started it this time.
"It's a nice day for a hangin', ain't it ole Randall?" He mocked, spitting onto the dirt. I looked at my Daddy.
"Mean Jim Vance." I stiffened as I saw Tolbert. Instinctively I moved a little closer to Cap, who I was sure could protect me from anything. He gave me a look, and then Tolbert said his name and understanding dawned. Daddy looked upset as well.
"Runs like a coward, don't he?" Will bent close to my ear. He snickered as Tolbert ran off after his father reprimanded him. I laughed with Will and then we waited for the sentence, which ended up them being not guilty. I clutched at Will who snapped out at the McCoy's.