“Well thought of, friend,” said Bassett, heartily. “No need of the watch, though,” put in Dick-o’-the-Hill; “I’ll bring a stout fellow or two who’ll do what is necessary.”
“Ay, and get us trounced up as the trailbastons the king hates, numskull,” said his cousin. “But ’tis nothing to me. Go thine own way for an obstinate loggerhead!”
Dick, who seemed to regard Mat’s railing as something rather honourable than otherwise entered into the proposal with extreme zest. He produced a quarterstaff, which he flourished with formidable ease, declaring himself ready with its aid to encounter the bear himself. Stephen Bassett hoped to carry the matter through peaceably, but he felt that his efforts might go more smoothly backed up by a display of force, and welcomed Dick’s assistance, as well as that of a neighbour whom he offered to fetch. There was not much time to lose, and they agreed to meet at a certain spot within half an hour, a time which to Hugh’s impatience seemed interminable. His father had enough to do in keeping him quiet, and in finding out where the watch, whose business it was to keep order at the fair, were bestowed. Matthew, having disposed of his hay, rejoined Bassett, really desirous to know whether his surmises turned out to be correct; but, as he declared, solely that he might help to check his cousin Dick’s ignorant zeal.
Four of them, therefore, to say nothing of Hugh, took up their position in the field just on the outskirts of the fair, and waited patiently or impatiently, after their natures, for the event.
Soon a motley crowd began to emerge from the booths. The most picturesque features of the show, indeed, were departing, for foreigners were not allowed to compete with the English traders beyond a certain number of days; and Flemish, Italians, Chinese, streamed forth, to find a night’s lodging as best they might beyond the forbidden limits. This expulsion was accompanied by a good deal of coarse jesting and railing from the other sellers, who rejoiced at the departure.
It was not long before the bear appeared, led by two men.
“Father, father!” cried Hugh, in a tumult of excitement.
“Speak the word, master, when thou desirest an appeal to my quarterstaff,” put in Dick-o’-the-Hill, “or even give me a nod, and I’ll warrant I’ll not be backward. I’ll answer for the bear.”
“Ay, I verily believe thy head to be as thick as its own,” said Matthew. “When wilt thou learn that brains are better than fists? Peace, and keep back.”
Stephen Bassett had stepped out, and civilly informed the men that a monkey had been taken from his house, and that he had reason to think it might be in their possession.