"Get in," he ordered, "and don't be foolish."
"I tell you I prefer to walk," she repeated. "I am quite satisfied with my own company this afternoon."
With this parting thrust, Nell was about to resume her walk when Ben with a savage oath sprang toward her.
"No, you don't get away as easy as that," he roared. "I want to know the meaning of such actions."
Nell's anger was now aroused, and she turned swiftly upon the brute.
"You know very well why I will not ride with you. Have you forgotten last night? This is the King's highway, and I am at liberty to go as I please."
"To h—— with the King," Ben retorted, as he reached out and caught her fiercely by the arm.
At once a cry of pain broke from Nell's lips, and wildly she tore away the gripping fingers. Her face was distorted with pain, and her right hand pressed firmly her wounded arm.
Ben's oath concerning the King caused Douglas' face to darken and his eyes to blaze. He sprang quickly forward, and seized the wretch by the collar just as Nell forced his grip from her arm. He shook him as a terrier would shake a rat and left him at length sprawling in the middle of the road, his clothes all covered with dust.
"If you want some more, get up," Douglas remarked, as he stood viewing his prostrate victim. "How dare you insult the King, and lay your foul hands upon this woman? Get up, I tell you, and clear out of this at once."