"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."