"He who came two nights ago," I replied, "I want to ride the beggar."
The man gave a laugh, and went to the stables without a word.
"Put on his own saddle," I said, blessing Benet for having led his serving-men to obey his strange whims without questioning.
The man put a lighted candle in a lanthorn, and began to saddle Chestnut, but in this he found a difficulty. The horse had not been in the habit of obeying any other voice than mine. He snapped at the fellow so viciously, that he left the stall.
"He's a oogly beggar, Maaster. I can't saddle un. He's a booty to look top, but I wudden ride un ef I wos you. I spoase you've locked up the gen'l'man, ain't ee?"
"Stand still, Chestnut," I said in my own voice. The horse recognized me, and gave a joyful whinney.
Instantly the fellow suspected me. He saw that I was not his master, and moved towards the door. I was sorry to do it, but it could not be helped. I struck him a heavy blow and he fell heavily on the ground.
"If you move or make a noise you are a dead man," I said.
"My Gor!" muttered the fellow, "tes the gen'leman hisself."
In a few seconds I saddled Chestnut; then I determined to use him further.