The story begins with young sartoris Snopes sitting in the back of a town general store which also functions as the town court. His father, Abner snopes is being tried for allegedly burning down the barn of a Mr. Harris. The judge rules in favor of Abner but demands the tenant family leave town for good. The family, which includes Abner, Sartoris, Lennie snopes, his twin sisters and Aunt Lizzie, leave town and will move on to an unknown location to resume tenant farming. During the move Abner confronts Sarty about needing to always be true to your family. This moment sets a major theme for the short story. The next day the family arrives at the home of wealthy landowner Major de Spain, where they will begin work. Abner Snopes steps in horse
