ded the community that day was
ominous. Neighbours neglected their work as never before, and met in
twos and threes near their line fences to discuss the one big question
of the day. That they were determined to stand by Jake was most
evident, and they impatiently waited for word that would stir them to
action.

Their anger was further roused when they learned of what Ben had done
to Jean Benton at Long Wharf. This was due to Empty, and the startling
news spread from house to house with mysterious rapidity. No one
doubted it for an instant, for Empty himself had heard it from Jean's
own lips, and that settled it so far as the people were concerned. It
was this which removed the last particle of hesitation in the mind of
any one as to the necessity of action. When at last word came from
Jake to be ready that night, the men were as one in their grim
determination to take matters into their own hands.

The wharf near the store was the stated place of meeting, and there,
just after sundown, the men of Rixton gathered. They came in little
groups without any noise or clamour. Squire Hawkins, at first, had no
idea of their intentions, but thought that they had come merely to meet
the evening steamer. But as the crowd increased, he became somewhat
uneasy as reports of impending trouble drifted to his ears. In his
anxiety, he sent word to Simon Stubbles, telling him of his fears and
advising him to come and disperse the men.

It was Ben who received the message just as he was about to head his
car through the gate of the driveway leading up to the house. With a
curse he swung his car to the right and started up the road toward the
wharf. He would attend to the crowd, and send the men about their
business. His father could make an example of the ringleaders later.
But for once in his life Ben Stubbles had reckoned without his cost.
As he drew up near where the men were gathered, he ordered them to
clear out and go home.

"I know your plans," he told them, "but what do you think you can do?
Don't you know what will happen to you? Have you all gone crazy, you
d---- fools?"

The only reply to these words was a roar of anger as the crowd surged
toward the car. Ben, seeing them coming, and realising for the first
time the seriousness of the situation, endeavoured to escape. But he
was too late, for in an instant he was lifted off his feet and placed
astride a pole which was carried upon the shoulders of two stron