"What d'ye mean?"
"Simply this, that he has been attacking long enough, and it is our turn now. From what I can learn, Ben and his father have been riding over people in this parish rough-shod for years, and no one has had the courage to oppose them. It might do them a great deal of good and teach them a useful lesson if they didn't have everything their own way."
"D'ye mean to buck 'em?" Jake enquired.
"I am going to do more than buck, Jake; I am going to charge. The time for defensive warfare is over; it must be an offensive one now, and we are in a good position after this night's racket."
"What are ye goin' to do, John? How are ye goin' to charge 'em?"
"I shall tell you about that later. I am too tired and sleepy now, so
I am off to bed."
As Douglas rose to leave the room, Empty stepped forward. He had been listening with eyes and ears to all that had been said, and he grinned with delight as the meaning of the offensive warfare dawned slowly upon his mind. What a choice bit of news he would have to tell his mother. She would forgive him for being out so late when he told her all that had taken place during the night.
"Ma sent me over with a message fer you," he began.
"She did, eh?" and Douglas turned and looked upon the lad. "You are somewhat late in delivering it. Is it very important?"
"She wants to know if ye'll be good enough to come an' see her as soon as ye kin, an' bring yer fiddle with ye."