Part 48 (1/2)

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.