§ 97. Trial of issues and appeal. The issues raised by any such answer
shall be tried in the same manner as issues are tried in a court of
record without a jury, before such justice at a time and place to be
fixed by him, or they may be referred by such justice to a referee, to
hear and determine. An appeal may be taken from the decision of such
justice or referee as in a civil action in a court of record. On such
appeal the decision upon the law and the facts, may be reversed,
modified, or a new trial ordered. Costs, upon appeal, shall be allowed,
as in the case of an appeal from a judgment in a court of record, and
judgment may be rendered therefor.