"I can't do it."
"I've already told you that I'll pay your fine if you're caught."
"It isn't that."
"Then what is it? Does it make any difference if those bucks are shot
now or six weeks from now?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Getting them now would be violating the law."
"Who doesn't violate the law? Considering the mass of laws we have, few
people can live a single day without, intentionally or otherwise,
running afoul of them. Have you ever looked up some of the crackpot
laws, such as the one which states that, on Sunday, in this state, no
horse shall wear other than a plain black harness?"
"It's not that."
"Ted, do you know anyone at all in the Mahela who lives up to the full
letter of the game laws? Do you know anyone who doesn't take what he
wants when he wants it, in season or out?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"My father and I."
There was an ominous silence. Thornton broke it.
"It seems that I've misjudged you."
"It seems you have!" Ted's anger was rising. "I'll leave now!"
2