“Very well,” I said, “it’s for you and your neighbors to show now how much grit and manhood you have.  I shall start for Bagley’s house at nine to-morrow.  Of course I shall be glad to have company, and if he sees that the people will not stand any more of his rascality, he’ll be more apt to behave himself or else clear out.”

“He’ll have to do one or the other,” said Mr. Jones, grimly.  “I’ll go right down to Rolling’s.  Come, Junior, we may want you.”

At eight o’clock the next morning, a dozen men, including the constable, were in our yard.  My wife whispered, “Do be prudent, Robert.”  She was much reassured, however, by the largeness of our force.

We soon reached the dilapidated hovel, and were so fortunate as to find Bagley and all his family at home.  Although it was the busiest season, he was idle.  As I led my forces straight toward the door, it was evident that he was surprised and disconcerted, in spite of his attempt to maintain a sullen and defiant aspect.  I saw his evil eye resting on one and another of our group, as if he was storing up grudges to be well paid on future dark nights.  His eldest son stood with the dog at the corner of the house, and as I approached, the cur, set on by the boy, came toward me with a stealthy step.  I carried a heavy cane, and just as the brute was about to take me by the leg, I struck him a blow on the head that sent him howling away.

The man for a moment acted almost as if he had been struck himself.  His bloated visage became inflamed, and he sprang toward me.

“Stop!” I thundered.  My neighbors closed around me, and he instinctively drew back.

“Bagley,” I cried, “look me in the eye.”  And he fixed upon me a gaze full of impotent anger.  “Now,” I resumed, “I wish you and your family to understand that you’ve come to the end of your rope.  You must become decent, law-abiding people, like the rest of us, or we shall put you where you can’t harm us.  I, for one, am going to give you a last chance.  Your children were stealing my fruit last night, and acting shamefully afterward.  You also trespassed, and you threatened these two boys; you are idle in the busiest time, and think you can live by plunder.  Now, you and yours must turn the sharpest corner you ever saw.  Your two eldest children can come and pick berries for me at the usual wages, if they obey my orders and behave themselves.  One of the neighbors here says he’ll give you work, if you try to do it well.  If you accept these terms, I’ll let the past go.  If you don’t, I’ll have the constable arrest your boy at once, and I’ll see that he gets the heaviest sentence the law allows, while if you or your children make any further trouble, I’ll meet you promptly in every way the law permits.  But, little as you deserve it, I am going to give you and your family one chance to reform, before proceeding against you.  Only understand one thing, I am not afraid of you.  I’ve had my say.”