hy not?"

"Oh, there are personal reasons which I do not care to explain."

"Fear of the Stubbles, eh?"

"They are good customers of mine. I would not like to offend them."

"And you are a Justice of the Peace, a man appointed in the King's name
to preserve law and order, and yet unwilling to see that justice is
done for fear of having your trade injured." Douglas spoke
emphatically, and his words caused Squire Hawkins to wince.

"You have no business to talk to me that way," he roared. "If you are
not satisfied with me get somebody else to attend to your affairs."

"Do you mean it?" Douglas asked. "Do I understand you to say that you
will have nothing to do with this case, and that I must get some one
else?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean."

"Very well, then, I shall take you at your word. But remember, I have
appealed to you who have been legally appointed by the Crown. You have
refused to act in this case. You have refused to see justice done to
an innocent man. Do you know what that means? If not, then it is your
duty to know. I shall not ask you again to assist me. I am going to
the city, and one of the ablest lawyers there is a special friend of
mine. I shall place the matter in his hands, and you will be forced to
abide by the consequences."

Douglas turned and had almost reached the door when Squire Hawkins
leaped suddenly from his chair.

"Wait a minute," he ordered. "I want to have a few more words with
you."

"What is the sense of our talking any more?" Douglas asked in reply.
"You refuse to conduct this case and what is the use of wasting my
time?"

"But perhaps something might be done yet. I feel that I might comply
with your request and see this affair through."

"And you will summon those men and try the case yourself?"

"Yes, to the best of my ability."

"Where?"

"In the hall at the Corner, of course."

"When?"

"Will Monday at three o'clock do? That will give me time to serve the
summons for the men to appear."

"Yes, that will suit me as well as any time. You must summon the
witnesses as well. I shall give you their names. It will be just as
well to write them down so as to make no mistake."

Douglas was somewhat surprised at the readiness of Squire Hawkins to
comply with his suggestions. He did not know the man or he would not
have felt so satisfied. Had he really known what was in his mind, he
would have had nothing more to do with him after his firs