Mr. Force unfolded and read the paper, staring at it in dismay.
"Then this never reached its destination?"
"Not much! There'd 'a' been murder done before this if it had been! And there'll be murder done yet if there ain't a stop put to it! Let me tell you all how and about it."
And, while the squire and the rector listened, with the most painful interest, Miss Sibby told of Leonidas Force's sudden visit of the previous afternoon, of her suspicions, and of her seizing an opportunity afforded and opening the envelope, taking out the sheet of note paper, tearing off the half containing the challenge, folding and replacing the other leaf, and finally closing up the envelope, and returning it to its place.
"My wagabone of a 'dopted nevvy took the note without suspicion, and went off with it. I'd like to 'a' seen that colonel's face when he opened it and found nothing but a blank paper! Howsever, I haven't seen hair nor hide of my scamp since, so I don't know how it all ended! And I don't know where he is! But naught's never in danger, and I reckon as he is safe and sound with t'other scamp at Greenbushes."
"What do you think of this, now, for a mad missive? Oh, read it out--read it out! I know how it looks! I want to hear how it sounds!" said the squire, as he passed the challenge over to the rector, and watched the latter staring at the lines.
And, with his hair gradually rising on end, the good man read as follows:
"To Col. Angus Anglesea--Sir: You are not only a disgrace to your uniform, but a dishonor to the human form! You are a thief, a liar and a coward! I have written your character in ink, and I mean to seal it in blood! The bearer of this will meet any man you may appoint to make arrangements. I have the honor to be,
"The boy is mad!" said the rector, as he returned the paper and wiped his spectacles.
"And now, what is to be done?" inquired the squire.
"'What's to be done?'" exclaimed Miss Sibby, excitedly. "There ain't but one thing to be done! You are a justice of the peace, and ought to know what that is! Here I lay a complaint, and lay before you the evidence that two young men are planning a breach of the peace that may end in murder or hanging, or the State prison, at the least, and you ask what's to be done! I'll tell you, then! Give out a warrant to take 'em both up, and fetch 'em before you, and make 'em give bonds to keep the peace, or else send 'em to prison! Let's you and me deal by our own young rascals just as we would by any other's. I make the complaint. You give out the warrant and haul 'em up for judgment. Now, I have done my duty. You do your'n!"