dness I'd got the punch on his nose instead of Tom's. How I'd like
to have heard him squeal, ho, ho."

"What will Ben do next, do you think?"

"It's hard to tell. But he'll do something, mark my word."

"Yes, if we don't do something first."

"What d'ye mean?"

"Simply this, that he has been attacking long enough, and it is our
turn now. From what I can learn, Ben and his father have been riding
over people in this parish rough-shod for years, and no one has had the
courage to oppose them. It might do them a great deal of good and
teach them a useful lesson if they didn't have everything their own
way."

"D'ye mean to buck 'em?" Jake enquired.

"I am going to do more than buck, Jake; I am going to charge. The time
for defensive warfare is over; it must be an offensive one now, and we
are in a good position after this night's racket."

"What are ye goin' to do, John? How are ye goin' to charge 'em?"

"I shall tell you about that later. I am too tired and sleepy now, so
I am off to bed."

As Douglas rose to leave the room, Empty stepped forward. He had been
listening with eyes and ears to all that had been said, and he grinned
with delight as the meaning of the offensive warfare dawned slowly upon
his mind. What a choice bit of news he would have to tell his mother.
She would forgive him for being out so late when he told her all that
had taken place during the night.

"Ma sent me over with a message fer you," he began.

"She did, eh?" and Douglas turned and looked upon the lad. "You are
somewhat late in delivering it. Is it very important?"

"She wants to know if ye'll be good enough to come an' see her as soon
as ye kin, an' bring yer fiddle with ye."

"How is Jean?" Douglas asked. Owing to the excitement of the afternoon
and night he had forgotten all about the sick woman.

"Oh, I guess she's jist the same," Empty replied as he scratched the
back of his head. "But ma'll tell ye 'bout her better'n I kin. Will
ye come?"

"Yes, I suppose I can if she does not want me too soon. Tell your
mother that I shall try to get over on Sunday. I am afraid I cannot
get there before."

Douglas woke about daylight and heard the rain beating upon the roof.
How good it sounded, and he turned over and went to sleep again. It
was late when he once more opened his eyes, and sprang out of bed. It
was ten o'clock, and he felt ashamed of himself for having slept so
long. He apologised to Mrs. Jukes when