Hopton's Compromise

Hopton's Compromise.
Near a town in the southern part of Georgia lived Mr. Branscombe, a wealthy fruit grower, who was embroiled in a perpetual feud with a poor trucker named Hopton. The feud was based on Hopton's hog, which committed havoc in Branscombe's garden, and Branscombe finally shot the animal.
War was at once declared by Hopton, not against all his belongings. He tore down fences, wrung the necks of chickens, smeared Branscombe's front steps with paint, and continued this petty persecution until the fruit grower was exasperated beyond endurance.
He set a watch on Hopton, and finally caught him in the act of pouring turpentine into the pump. The next day Branscombe swore out a warrant for Hopton's arrest for malicious mischief, and it was served that afternoon.
Hopton resisted violently, but finally calmed down, and while on his way to the office of the justice of the peace expressed a wish to see Mr. Branscombe and "settle the whole affair." The constable was an obliging fellow, and acceded to this request.
"Kunnel," said Hopton, when brought before Branscombe, "let's compromise this matter."
"Very well," assented Branscombe readily. "During the past six months you have committed damages to the extent of $200. What is your proposition?"
"It's this, kunnel," drawled Hopton. "You drop this prosecuting me, and I'll let ye off." --Youth's Companion.
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Old News
Ann Arbor Argus