Felix passed Floyd to Ezra, who had come up quickly as the fighting began, and Ezra took his son away. Arnold arrived, looking mildly puzzled at the affair, told Leon that he was host to the Davis boys and that he must apologize instantly. While Leon protested, Bonard pocketed the green marble as Rooster, who saw him do it, stared at him, astonished at even his boldness.

Rooster’s helping his brother had been triggered by a simple feeling of family solidarity, not particular regard, for, although he was four years younger than Bonard—a difference in age that might have been supposed to keep them tolerably well disposed toward each other, the younger admiring and imitating, the older encouraging and teaching—they were frequently at odds at home. Bonard was a bully. He gave orders to his younger brother and smacked him when they were not obeyed. Rooster was an amiable child, but he frequently, healthily rebelled. Unable because of his inferior size and strength to beat his brother physically, he contrived jokes to puncture Bonard’s haughty dignity. Once, having suffered a beating for no reason other than Bonard’s bad temper, he bided his time until Bonard slept and poured a pitcher of cold water over his face and head. He was beaten again, but it was worth it to him.

Seeing Bonard now pocket the green marble, Rooster unhesitatingly changed sides. While Arnold was repeating the obligations of a host and urging his son to shake hands and be friends with his recent opponents, Rooster marched up, took Leon’s hand and shook it as if he would like to shake it off, beaming at Leon the while in the friendliest way. Bonard took advantage of the general approval voiced at this demonstration of good fellowship to slip away and subsequently follow and spy upon a group of young girls who, after whispering together, had gone to a secluded part of the grove where the barbecue was being held to squat in the bushes and pee.