nd of the
breaking into Professor Strong's house.

"Well, what do you want me to do about it?" Squire Hawkins curtly asked.

"You should know without my telling you," Douglas replied. He was
becoming nettled at this man's insolence.

"What, what's that you say?"

"As a Justice of the Peace you must surely know your business. I have
told you what has happened, and now I lay a complaint before you
against three men, though others are implicated in the matter."

"Why don't you go to Mr. Stubbles? He always settles such matters."

"Mr. Stubbles has nothing to do with this affair. He is not a Justice
of the Peace. You are, though, and it is to you I look for justice."

"But I have never handled a case in my life. I don't know what to do."

"Then it is time you began. Why did you accept the office if you know
nothing about it?"

"Look here," and the Squire's face became red with anger. "I don't
wish for you to dictate to me in that manner. Who are you, anyway?"

"I am John Handyman, working for Jake Jukes at present."

"H'm. And so you expect me to bother my head about you?"

"I certainly do, and what is more, I shall see that you do it, even
though I am only a hired man."

Something in Douglas' voice and bearing made an impression upon Squire
Hawkins. He squirmed uneasily in his chair and his face grew redder
than ever.

"Confound it all!" he growled. "Why do you bother me with this matter?
What reason had the men to attack you? They were only sky-larking, no
doubt. Having a bit of fun, most likely."

"Mighty poor fun for me, though, especially when the cudgels fell upon
my head. I don't like such fun, and I want you to take steps to stop
it in the future."

"Who are the men?" the Squire asked.

"I only know the names of three at present. They are Tom Totten, Pete
Rollins and Ben Stubbles."

"Ben Stubbles!" Squire Hawkins exclaimed in surprise. "Surely you
don't expect me to take action against him?"

"I certainly do."

"But did he attack you last night?"

"No, not in person, but he was the one who supplied the liquor to the
men, and ordered them to waylay and beat me."

Squire Hawkins did not at once reply to these words. He was lost in
thought and seemed somewhat worried. His brow knitted, and his small
crafty eyes became like two narrow slits.

"I am afraid I can't do anything for you," he at length replied. "It's
utterly impossible for me to undertake your case."

"And w