Mud and slime mingling with the drenched feathers and tar made him look more grotesque than ever as he struggled into his clothes.
"Now clear out," Jake ordered, when Ben was at last dressed, "an' thank ye'r stars that we didn't skin ye alive."
Ben waited for no second bidding, but darted away and ran as he had never run in his life, followed by the shouts, jeers and laughter of the crowd.
The men were now in a dangerous mood and ready for any mischief. The fire of pent-up passion had at last burst forth, and the mob spirit was upon them.
"Squire Hawkins," shouted some one. "Let's give him a dose."
"The Squire, the Squire," passed from mouth to mouth. "His turn next."
What would have happened is hard to tell, had not Douglas at that instant stepped forward. His sudden appearance arrested the men, and they at once stopped their clamour to hear what he had to say.
"I wouldn't do anything more to-night, men," he advised. "You are greatly excited now, and if you are not careful you might do something that you will regret. You have taught Ben a severe lesson, and one he thoroughly deserved. But do not lay hands upon a Justice of the Peace. He can be dealt with in another way."
"How?" asked one of the men.
"I have just come from the city," Douglas explained, "where I have been in consultation with one of the ablest lawyers there. He is a special friend of mine, and he will be here to-morrow. He will deal with Squire Hawkins far more effectively than we can."