Mo. Rev. Stat. § 529.030
The persons making such return shall reply, take issue or direct a motion to the pleading of the party suing out or prosecuting such writ.
(RSMo 1939 § 1698, A. 1949 H.B. 2130)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 1534; 1919 § 1984; 1909 § 2548