"The proof and the expiation!" Uncle Buck hollered. "When me and John Sartoris and Drusilla rode up to that old compress, the first thing we see was that murdering scoundrel pegged out on the door to it like a coon hide, all except the right hand. 'And if anybody wants to see that too,' I told John Sartoris, 'just let them ride into Jefferson and look on Rosa Millard's grave!' Aint I told you he is John Sartoris' boy? Hey? Aint I told you?"

This passage is the last paragraph of "Vendée," after Bayard and Ringo have returned home having killed Grumby. Uncle Buck congratulates Bayard for fulfilling his family obligation and avenging his grandmother. In "Retreat," Buck was the first person outside the family to describe Colonel Sartoris—he confirms Bayard's adoration of his father, and initiates the idea that Bayard has a special social role as the colonel's heir. Avenging Granny's death is Bayard's first act as the head of the family, his temporary role while his father is off at war. By attaching Grumby's hand to her grave, Bayard has done more than ensure she will rest in peace—he has announced to the world that he will fill his father's shoes.