This important point being settled, sense of sweet peace stole in
upon Yancy's spirit. He stood his rifle against a tree, lit his
pipe with flint and steel, and rested comfortably by the wayside.
He had not long to wait, for presently the buggy hove in sight;
whereupon he coolly knocked the ashes from his pipe, pocketed it,
and prepared for action. As the buggy came nearer he recognized
his ancient enemy in the person of the man who sat at Hannibal's
side, and stepping nimbly into the road seized the horses by
their bits. At sight of him Hannibal shrieked his name in an
ecstasy of delight.

"Uncle Bob--Uncle Bob--" he, cried.

"Yes, it's Uncle Bob. You can light down, Nevvy. I reckon
you've rid far enough," said Yancy pleasantly.

"Leggo them horses!" said Mr. Blount, recovering somewhat from
the effect of Yancy's sudden appearance.

"Light down, Nevvy," said Yancy, still pleasantly. Blount turned
to the boy as if to interfere. "Don't you put the weight of yo'
finger on the boy, Blount!" warned Yancy. "Light down,
Hannibal!"

Hannibal instantly availed himself of the invitation. At the
same moment Blount struck at Yancy with his whip and his horses
reared wildly, thinking the blow meant for them. Seeing that the
boy had reached the ground in safety, Yancy relaxed his hold on
the team, which instantly plunged forward. Then as the buggy
swept past him he made a dexterous grab at Blount and dragged him