"I shall not play another note," he calmly began, "unless Mr. Stubbles decides to behave in a proper manner."
"What's that?" Ben demanded, somewhat surprised that any one should dare to rebuke him.
"Didn't you hear what I said?" Douglas asked, as he laid aside his violin and rose to his feet. "I said that I would not play another note unless you decide to behave in a proper manner."
"Do you mean to insinuate that I have not been behaving myself?" Ben retorted.
"I did more than insinuate. And I say further that you have been behaving disgracefully and not at all like a gentleman."
"You impudent cur," Ben roared as he stepped forward. "How dare you speak to me like that? Take back those words at once or I'll make an example of you."
"Come and do it, then. I will meet you half way," and Douglas advanced toward him as he spoke.
But Ben hesitated. He found himself in a fix, and did not know how to get out of the tangle. His bluffs had always been effective in the past, and no one had dared to oppose him simply because he was Simon Stubbles' son. But here was a man, a stranger, who looked very big to him, just then, standing before him and challenging his right to rule. Ben was no fighter, and no one knew it better than himself. He was a coward at heart, and his present embarrassing position unnerved him. He glanced quickly around and seeing the eyes of all riveted upon him made him angry. If he should back down, he well knew that he would be the laughing-stock of the whole parish.
"Are you going to take back those words?" he at length found voice to ask.
"Not unless you make me," Douglas calmly replied. "Now is your chance."