could hardly trust himself to speak, so they both stood there strangely
silent.

"I must go now," and Douglas reached out his hand. "I shall see you
to-morrow."

As Douglas' hand closed over Nell's he held it for a few seconds, and
it was a great joy to him that she did not try to draw it away.
Quickly stooping, he touched her hand with his lips, and then without
another word he left her and walked rapidly away from the house.

Sometime later, in the solitude of her own room, Nell's lips pressed
the spot where the kiss had fallen. Her eyes were bright with a
new-found joy, and her face was radiant with the happiness of love.

CHAPTER XXVIII

KNUCKLING UNDER

Simon Stubbles was very angry at what had taken place the previous
evening. He was troubled, as well, over his financial difficulties,
for he knew that if he could not raise the ten thousand dollars he was
a ruined man. Even now he was aware that his influence in Rixton was
waning, and what would it be if the crash should come? He had
dominated the people because of his position and supposed wealth. They
had bowed to his slightest will, and had allowed him to rule. But now
they were taking matters into their own hands, and had inflicted a most
humiliating punishment upon his only son.

Squire Hawkins was in the room with him this morning, and had related
in detail what had happened to Ben.

"It is most disgraceful, sir, and you must punish the ringleaders at
once," he told him. "That will teach the others a lesson."

"And who are the ringleaders?" Stubbles asked.

"Why, you know, don't you? They are Jake Jukes and Tom Totten; both
very dangerous men."

"And who put them up to the job?"

"Did any one?"

"Certainly. It was Jake's hired man; he's the one who did it."

"But he was in the city, so I understand, and didn't get back until the
deed was about done."

"H'm," and Stubbles gave a grunt of disgust, "he was the chief mover in
the affair, mark my word. I've had my eye on that fellow ever since he
came to the place. He's a stirrer up of trouble. I knew it from the
first, and did my best to get rid of him, but he defied me and has
remained, notwithstanding my orders for him to leave."

"Then it will be necessary to make an example of him, sir," the Squire
replied. "Just say the word, and I shall have him brought before me."

At that instant the door-bell rang, and a few seconds later Douglas and
Charles Garton were ushered i