It seems clear that Faulkner is thinking of John Churchill when he compares Ab to "Malbrouck," a corruption of Churchill's title as First Duke of Malborough. Between the 1670s and his death in 1722, Churchill rose from the rank of page to become one of the most influential generals and statesmen in English history. While serving five English monarchs, he never neglected his own ambitions for power and wealth.
As at Ab Snopes' first (criminal) trial, at the story's second (civil) trial in a second country store there is again a crowd of men in attendance. Their faces this time are described as "quiet, watching" (17).
