"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."