"A good man," Thornton said, "is not easily come by and I've learned the value of one. That's why I'm putting you on a special job right now." "You are?" Ted's voice quivered eagerly. "Yes. You're a pretty good deer hunter, aren't you?" "I--I guess so." "You know of those two bucks they call Damon and Pythias?" "Everyone does." Thornton said, "I want them." "You--?" "That's right. With those two heads on the wall--" Thornton shrugged. "Crestwood would be mentioned in every paper in the state. If they're really records, there probably would be national publicity. In any event, they'll help bring guests here." "But--Nobody has even managed to get near those two bucks in hunting season." Thornton looked shrewdly at him. "But before the season?" "You mean?" "That's just what I mean. Those two bucks don't go into hiding until after hunters take to the woods. I'm pretty sure that anyone who knew what he was doing could get both of them before the season opened. How about it?" Ted said reluctantly, "It might be done." "Good! Take all the time you need and I'll leave the details up to you. If you're caught, of course you'll keep your mouth shut and I'll pay the fine. But I think you'll know how to go about it without getting caught. Deliver both bucks to Crestwood--we'll arrange those details after you get them--and thereafter it's up to me. Good luck." Ted heard himself saying, "No, Mr. Thornton." Thornton looked puzzled. "I don't understand." "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 THE THREAT Tramping along the Lorton Road toward his father's house, Ted told himself that he had been a complete fool. With a start in the only business that interested him, he had sacrificed everything for what suddenly seemed a trivial reason.