as to the Stubbles' affair?" the latter
asked. "I suppose you have it all cut and dried."

"Not altogether," was the reply. "I spent much of the night thinking
it over, but am not fully decided yet. But there is one thing I would
like you to do."

"What is that?"

"Come to Rixton and let us both meet Stubbles and have it out with him.
What do you think of the idea?"

"It is a good one, and it has been in my mind ever since you told me
your story last night."

"When can you come? To-day? I am going back this afternoon."

"I cannot go until to-morrow. I shall go in my auto in the morning and
not bother with the train."

"Come right to Jake Jukes' house and I shall get Mrs. Jukes to have
dinner ready. I know it will be a good one, so bring your appetite
with you. Don't be too late."

"Oh, I'll be on time. When we get through with Stubbles, I want to
have a few words with Squire Hawkins. We mustn't let him off too
easily."

CHAPTER XXVII

THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

It had taken the people of Rixton a long time to oppose the overbearing
tyranny of Simon Stubbles and his family. It really began that
afternoon at the close of the so-called trial. The men were incensed
as never before, and talked and threatened in an alarming manner. Even
then, nothing of a definite nature might have been done but for the
leadership of Jake Jukes. He was slow to arouse to a pitch of fury,
but when once stirred he was a formidable opponent, and this all knew.
His affection for Douglas was something remarkable, and his wife had at
times bantered him about thinking more of his hired help than he did of
her. Douglas' courage in facing the Stubbles, combined with his
ability as a wrestler, was what appealed to Jake, and when he saw what
a miserable farce Squire Hawkins was making of the trial, and listened
to Ben Stubbles' blasphemous denial of all connection with the night
attack, his anger rose to white heat.

For a while he remained silent at the close of the trial, and merely
listened to what the men were saying. He heard all kinds of
suggestions and wild talk. Some advocated burning out the Stubbles,
mill and house, and driving them from the parish. Others were for
horse-whipping Ben and Squire Hawkins, while one went so far as to
suggest that they hang Ben to the limb of a tree. Jake knew that all
this talk would amount to nothing without a leader, and if no one else
would act, he would. Quickly mountin