"What's the charge?" interrupted Ralph.

"'Sault an' batt'ry," snapped the squire.

"Who signed the warrant?" questioned Ralph further.

"See here young feller!" and the squire rapped his cane vigorously upon
the desk, "if you don't let me go on with this case I'll kick you out."

"Oh, no, you won't. I have as much right here as you have, and I intend
to see that you do not, in any way, insult the young ladies!"

"You young scamp!" yelled the squire, making a dash for Ralph and
bringing his cane down squarely on the young man's head, at which Alice
and Tavia screamed.

A moment later the men were scuffling on the floor.

"I'll teach you!" the squire kept yelling.

"Let me go!" shouted Ralph.

"Oh, we must get help!" screamed Alice. "Tavia, run quick, to the office
next door. That man is crazy. He will kill Ralph," and, while Tavia ran
to one side of the place, Alice hurried to the other, so that all
possible help would be called at once.

In a short time the little place was crowded. Some came to aid, and
others came to see what was wrong. Alice and Tavia stood by with very