The Unknown Wrestler Part 36

"Try cases!" and Jake rubbed his unshaven chin, while a smile lurked about the corners of his mouth. "I guess the only cases he tries are the boxes which come into his store."

"But isn't he called upon to decide questions, such as disputes, and other matters which arise in almost every parish?"

"Never heard of him doin' sich things. Si Stubbles does all that."

"Is he a Justice of the Peace?"

"Oh, no, but he looks after sich affairs fer all that, an' settles 'em in his own way."

"And Squire Hawkins is only a J.P. in name, then?"

"That's about it."

"Well, then, it is about time he was getting to work. I shall give him a case this very afternoon. I am going to lay a complaint before him about last night's affair."

"Ye are?" Jake asked in surprise. "I wish ye luck, but I'm afraid ye won't accomplish much."

"Why?"

"H'm, that's easy to explain. Hen Hawkins is under Si Stubbles' thumb.

He won't tech the case 'cause he's afraid of Si."

"What has Si to do with it?"

"A great deal, if I'm not mistaken. Him an' Ben are both at the bottom of last night's racket, mark my word. Hen would be scairt most to death to do anything that would uncover their doin's. He'll be afraid of losing' Si's trade. Oh, no, I guess ye won't git very fer with Hen Hawkins, even though he is a J.P."

Douglas said nothing more about the affair just then, though what he had heard made him more determined than ever. He was learning more and more what a grip Simon Stubbles had over Rixton, and this added to the spirit of adventure which thrilled his soul. Even the Justice of the Peace was forced to bow to Si's authority.

Early that afternoon Douglas went to the store and enquired for Squire Hawkins.

"You will find him at his house," the clerk informed him. "He has not returned from his dinner yet."

Douglas noticed several men in the store who ceased their earnest conversation as he entered. He surmised what they were talking about, as no doubt the news was already abroad. The men listened very attentively as Douglas questioned the clerk, and they watched him curiously.

Douglas had seen the storekeeper on several occasions but had never met him personally. A common farmhand was beneath the notice of such a man as Squire Hawkins, who prided himself upon his acquaintance with men of money and position. He was a small-sized man, fussy, and pompous to those he considered his inferiors. He did not even show common courtesy as Douglas was shown into the room where he was seated in an easy chair reading the daily paper. He did not even rise to receive his visitor, but in a gruff voice asked him what he wanted.

"You are a Justice of the Peace, so I understand," Douglas began.

"Yes, and what of it?"

As briefly and concisely as possible Douglas stated his case. He told about the two attacks which had been made upon his person, and 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 why 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.