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47. CONTINUED
Sheriff Young nor the DEPUTIES make a physical move towards Nathan. There is a long moment of tense silence. For a second, Nathan seems to want to make a desperate break and run, but Rebecca holds him by the arm with all the strength her hand can afford.

SHERIFF YOUNG
Okay, boys...

The Deputies move in and take Nathan by the arms from both sides and put handcuffs on him.

EARL
What they doin', Mama?

REBECCA
Be quiet, son...

Earl falls into his mother's embrace - suddenly, Sounder's voice rips into the atmosphere, and for the first time the Deputies draw their shotguns to waist level ---

SHERIFF YOUNG
Shut that mongrel up!

David runs to Sounder and tempers him as the SOUND fades to a growl - the dog frantically scratches the earth as David holds on to him ---

SHERIFF YOUNG (CONT'D)
Git that truck up close here,
and quick!

One of the Deputies moves out in a hurry to fetch the vehicle as Sheriff Young moves down the steps into the yard and looks to David, holding Sounder.

SHERIFF YOUNG (CONT'D)
Now boy, if you love that dog, you better keep a good, strong hold on him.

The SOUND of the truck is HEARD moving up close to the house, and stopping. Rebecca moves away from Josie Mae and Earl, and stops directly in the face of Sheriff Young. 

REBECCA
You been knowin' Nathan for a long time, Sheriff Young, and you know what kind of man he is, and you know the trouble we face in these off-seasons.