§ 48. Proceedings on return of summons; answer; judgment by default. At the time and place specified in the summons for the return thereof, in a court not of record, issue must be joined, if both parties appear, by the defendant filing with the justice a verified answer, containing a general denial of each allegation of the complaint, or a specific denial of one or more of the material allegations thereof; or any other matter constituting a defense to the lien or to the claim upon which it is founded. If the defendant fail to appear on the return-day, on proof by affidavit of the service of the summons and complaint, judgment may be rendered for the amount claimed, with costs.