The Rivet in Grandfather s Neck Author:James Branch Cabell James Cabell was an early 20th century author of fantasy fiction. His works were considered escapist and fit well in the culture of the 1920s. Cabell's works can be ironic and satirical. The Rivet in Grandfather's Neck is a comedy of limitations which begins, " In the middle of the cupboard door was the carved figure of a man.... He had goat'... more »s legs, little horns on his head, and a long beard; the children in the room called him, "Major-General-field-sergeant -commander-Billy-goat's-legs" ... He was always looking at the table under the looking-glass where stood a very pretty little shepherdess made of china.... Close by her side stood a little chimney-sweep, as black as coal and also made of china.... Near to them stood another figure.... He was an old Chinaman who could nod his head, and used to pretend he was the grandfather of the shepherdess, although he could not prove it. He, however, assumed authority over her, and therefore when "Major-general-field-sergeant-commander-Billy-goat's -legs" asked for the little shepherdess to be his wife, he nodded his head to show that he consented."« less