The Unknown Wrestler Part 48

This was just what Garton wanted, and an amused twinkle danced in his eyes. He hesitated, however, for a few seconds as if lost in deep thought.

"Very well, then, Mr. Hawkins," he at length replied, "if you are willing to make a public acknowledgment of your wrong decision, I will take no notice this time. As you know from my record, I am not easily turned aside when I once make up my mind. However, I will make an exception this time, if you obey me at once."

"I will, sir, I certainly will. What shall I do?"

"Write out a plain confession of your wrong decision at the trial and post it on the door of your store, or in some other public place, where all can see it. That is what I demand."

"I shall do it at once, sir," came the low response. It was quite evident that the Squire was feeling keenly his humiliation, but there was nothing else for him to do, as he had a great fear and respect for the lawyer standing before him.

"I am glad you are acting like a sensible man," Garton told him. "It will save you a great deal of trouble. I must hurry away now, as it is getting late."

"Wait a minute, sir," Stubbles ordered, as he lifted his haggard face.

"I have heard your instructions to the Squire, now what do you want me to do?"

"Why, I thought you didn't want anything more to do with me," the lawyer exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh, that was before I heard what Ben did at Long Wharf. I have changed my mind in the last few minutes, and see things in a different light. He can look out for himself and fight his own battles after this. It's no use for me to cut off my nose to spite my face. My wife and I will be worse than beggars, and my daughters will be thrown upon the world helpless, if I fail in business. Extravagance has brought me to this, and I have been taught a scorching lesson. I need that money, sir, so go ahead and tell me what I must do. It will mean humiliation in either case, so I might as well make the best of a nasty job."

Had Douglas been animated merely by the spirit of revenge, he would have been more than satisfied at the outcome of this interview. But it was only justice he wanted, and the a.s.surance that Simon Stubbles and Squire Hawkins would behave themselves in the future. He felt sure that they would after this severe lesson.

"Suppose we let the matter end," he suggested to the lawyer, when Stubbles had acknowledged his defeat. "If these men are willing to conduct themselves properly in the future, why not give them another chance? I am satisfied if you are."

"Just as you say," the lawyer indifferently replied, as he glanced at his watch. "It's up to you."

"Well, let it rest at that, then. I don't wish to carry the matter any further. Give Mr. Stubbles the money, and save him from failure."

At these words Stubbles sprang to his feet, while a new light of hope gleamed in his eyes.

"And you won't humiliate me?" he asked. "You won't demand a public confession?"

"Not if you agree to our wishes, and I think you understand now what they are."

"I do, I surely do, and I shall see that they are fulfilled," he cried.

"Let us shake on it, then," and Douglas reached out his hand.

Stubbles seized it, and as he did so tears came into his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. It was the spirit of forgiveness that had moved him and caused his emotion.

"That is good," and Garton smiled approvingly. "I hope I shall never be called to this parish on such a business again."

"You never will," Stubbles emphatically replied. "But come and visit me again, sir, and bring Mr. Handyman with you. I don't think you will find anything amiss then, eh, Hawkins?"

"Sure, sure," the Squire fervently replied, as he held out his hand to bid Garton and Douglas good-bye. "I think that things will be different in Rixton after this."

CHAPTER XXIX

THE CHALLENGE

For two days there was intense excitement throughout the entire parish of Rixton. The one great topic of conversation was the punishment Ben Stubbles had received. There was considerable anxiety as well, for those who had taken part in the affair fully expected that Simon Stubbles would hit back hard. Just what he would do, they had no idea, but they realised that it was not his nature to overlook an insult, especially to his only son. It was, therefore, a great relief when the news spread that nothing would be done, and that Simon Stubbles had agreed to allow the matter to rest.

How this information leaked out was never fully known, though it was surmised that Squire Hawkins had given away the secret. Many were the stories in circulation, and the slightest incident was greatly enlarged according to the imagination of the narrator. It was believed that Jake Jukes' hired man had been a detective in disguise, or anyway, a man who had considerable influence. People recalled everything he had said and done since coming to the place. His wrestling powers were freely commented upon, as well as his ability to play the violin. They remembered, too, how he had faced Ben Stubbles at the dance, and had defeated single-handed the men sent to waylay him along the road at night. In short, he became such a mystery to all, that they began to look upon him as a hero, and ascribed to him wonderful powers, somewhat akin to those bestowed upon heroes of ancient legends. This feeling became intensified owing to Douglas' absence from the parish since the day of Simon Stubbles' humiliation. He had gone with the clever lawyer at a break-neck speed, so it was said, and had not returned.

But after two days the people of Rixton had something else to talk about. It was the grim spectre of war which had suddenly appeared, and sent a chill to every heart. The newspapers were full of it, and told of the clash between France and Germany, and of the base violation of Belgium by the advancing Huns. Then came England's declaration of war, and all knew that Canada, as a part of the British Empire, must fight, too. People were hungry for the least sc.r.a.p of news, and watched anxiously for the mailman to make his daily appearance. But even then they were not satisfied, and men crowded the wharf, impatiently awaiting the arrival of the evening boat from the city, that they might obtain the latest news. When word came that a Contingent was being formed for overseas service, then all were aware that Canada was getting ready for her part in the t.i.tanic conflict.

Professor Strong was greatly excited over the war, and for once he forgot about his beloved book. Intensely patriotic, he wondered why the young men of the parish did not enlist. He longed to be young again, that he might set them the example, and he talked eagerly to his daughters about England's greatness, and related story after story of her mighty deeds in the past. He was familiar, as well, with the scenes of the conflict, for he had once visited Belgium, and had even been at Liege. The old man wept when he heard how the Germans had captured it, and were sweeping down upon Brussels.

"Just wait," he told them, "until the English and the French forces meet those devils, and then there will be a different tale to tell.

There will be no goose-trotting, mark my word. Oh, if I were only able to go!"

Nell was as greatly interested as her father and Nan. But through all the excitement she could not banish Douglas from her heart and mind, and she wondered what had become of him. She could not easily forget the last time she had seen him in company with the lawyer. She recalled how he had turned as the car was whirling him away, and waved his hand to her as she watched him from the door. Empty had told her later how the two had paid a visit to his mother, and of their brief talk with Jean. The subject of the conversation Empty did not know, and he felt quite crestfallen, for his reputation was at stake. But he tried to make up for this lack of knowledge by telling of the numerous stories which were in circulation about Douglas. Nell listened to them all, though she made no comment. But deep in her heart she believed that there was considerable truth in what she heard. That John Handyman was some one in disguise, she had imagined for some time. She had reasoned it over and over again in her own mind, and had often lain awake at night thinking about it. But why had he come to Rixton? And why should a man with his ability work as a farm-hand? If his health had been poor she could have somewhat understood it, for she had read of such cases. The more she thought, the more puzzled she became.

Anyway, she was sure that he was a good man, and a gentleman, for not once could she remember the slightest discourtesy on his part to any one.

Two weeks had now pa.s.sed since Douglas left the place. No one had heard a word about him, and Nell at times believed that she would never see him again. That she had met him and had talked with him, seemed almost like a beautiful dream. She lived in the memory of it, and when she had a little spare time to herself she visited the old pine tree, where they had stood and talked on that bright afternoon.

It was on one of these occasions that, instead of remaining by the tree, she strolled along the path they had travelled that day, until she came to the edge of the cleared field. Beyond was the church, standing bare and lonely, so she thought. She recalled how Douglas had spoken about his visit there, and the sad neglect of the building. A desire now came upon her to see it for herself, so, crossing the field, in a few minutes she was at the front door. To her surprise she found it open, and entering, her astonishment was still greater when she saw Joe Benton hard at work cleaning the floor and the seats. Upon the old man's face was an expression of happiness, and his eyes brightened as he paused in his work.

"I'm getting ready for the service," he explained in reply to Nell's question. "There was no one else willing to do it, so I undertook the job."

"But I didn't hear about any service," Nell replied. "When will it be held?"

"Next Sunday. A notice was posted on the store this morning by Simon Stubbles. He got word from the Bishop, so I understand."

"Is the new clergyman coming?" Nell asked, now greatly interested.

"I can't say, miss. It may be the Bishop himself, for all I know. But as this is Friday, there isn't much time to get things ready. I wonder what the Bishop would say if he could have seen the church as it was when I began work. It was certainly disgraceful."

"But who is to play the organ?" Nell enquired. "And the hymns should be practised by those who are willing to come into the choir. Is any one attending to that?"

"I am, miss. Si asked me if I would speak to you, and I was going to your house on my way home. I hope you will play, for then I know everything will be all right with the music. Just try the organ, and play a few tunes. It is a long time since I have heard them, and it will help me with my work."

"Not now," Nell smilingly replied. "I am going to dust the chancel and the vestry; that is, if you will let me."

"Sure, sure, go ahead. You have as much right here as I have. We all have the same privileges in the Father's House, for we are all His children."

Joe had swept the chancel and vestry room, so Nell dusted them both with great thoroughness. She was very happy at this work, just why she could not explain. When she was through, she polished the bra.s.s Altar vases, which were much tarnished. Then she went out of doors and gathered an abundance of wild flowers, and going into the vestry she arranged these artistically in the vases. Stepping back, she viewed her handiwork.

"How will they do?" she asked, as Joe just then looked in at the door.

"Don't you think they will suit any one?"

"I should say so," was the enthusiastic reply. "Even the Bishop himself couldn't find any fault with them."

When the flowers had been placed upon the Communion Table, and the last book had been carefully dusted and arranged, Nell sat down at the little organ and began to play. Joe came and sat down in one of the choir seats at the left. Hymn after hymn Nell played, and when she at last stopped, Joe stepped softly to her side.

"Won't you play one more?" he asked. "Just one; it's my favourite."

"Why, certainly. What is it?"