"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!"