In an action before a judge of a county court, at any time before trial and before judgment is rendered, the parties may have a cause submitted to the arbitration of three disinterested men, to be chosen by them. If the arbitrators are present, they shall hear and determine the cause on oath, to be administered by the judge. If the arbitrators are not present, the judge shall issue a summons for them to attend at the time and place appointed for the trial. That summons shall be served by the sheriff or any constable, or by the parties, as they may agree. The fees of the arbitrators are the same as those provided for jurors in the court of common pleas.