ter sich affairs fer all that, an' settles 'em
in his own way."

"And Squire Hawkins is only a J.P. in name, then?"

"That's about it."

"Well, then, it is about time he was getting to work. I shall give him
a case this very afternoon. I am going to lay a complaint before him
about last night's affair."

"Ye are?" Jake asked in surprise. "I wish ye luck, but I'm afraid ye
won't accomplish much."

"Why?"

"H'm, that's easy to explain. Hen Hawkins is under Si Stubbles' thumb.
He won't tech the case 'cause he's afraid of Si."

"What has Si to do with it?"

"A great deal, if I'm not mistaken. Him an' Ben are both at the bottom
of last night's racket, mark my word. Hen would be scairt most to
death to do anything that would uncover their doin's. He'll be afraid
of losing' Si's trade. Oh, no, I guess ye won't git very fer with Hen
Hawkins, even though he is a J.P."

Douglas said nothing more about the affair just then, though what he
had heard made him more determined than ever. He was learning more and
more what a grip Simon Stubbles had over Rixton, and this added to the
spirit of adventure which thrilled his soul. Even the Justice of the
Peace was forced to bow to Si's authority.

Early that afternoon Douglas went to the store and enquired for Squire
Hawkins.

"You will find him at his house," the clerk informed him. "He has not
returned from his dinner yet."

Douglas noticed several men in the store who ceased their earnest
conversation as he entered. He surmised what they were talking about,
as no doubt the news was already abroad. The men listened very
attentively as Douglas questioned the clerk, and they watched him
curiously.

Douglas had seen the storekeeper on several occasions but had never met
him personally. A common farmhand was beneath the notice of such a man
as Squire Hawkins, who prided himself upon his acquaintance with men of
money and position. He was a small-sized man, fussy, and pompous to
those he considered his inferiors. He did not even show common
courtesy as Douglas was shown into the room where he was seated in an
easy chair reading the daily paper. He did not even rise to receive
his visitor, but in a gruff voice asked him what he wanted.

"You are a Justice of the Peace, so I understand," Douglas began.

"Yes, and what of it?"

As briefly and concisely as possible Douglas stated his case. He told
about the two attacks which had been made upon his person, a