"Because I could not help it," I replied.
At this moment I heard a great cry of fear, and turning I saw Black Ben rushing towards me, while the crowd made way for him. He might have judged that I was in danger, for he came up to me, his eyes wild and his head uplifted high in the air.
I thought for a moment that those who held me fast would have let me go as he came up, so fearful were they: nevertheless they did not release me, although they sheltered themselves behind me.
What would have happened I know not, for at that moment the crowd was much excited, but Black Ben, as I thought, seemed to be making for Mistress Constance—whereupon I spoke angrily to him and bade him be still. He obeyed like a child, for so much had we been together at home that he had learnt to take note of the tones of my voice, and to come at my call like a well-trained spaniel.
"What are you going to do with me?" I said to the men who held me fast.
"Do? Take you to gaol, young master."
"Why? What charge have you against me?"
"We'll see to that to-morrow morning at the County Court!" was the reply.
"Then let my horse be taken to The Bull stables," I said, for even then I could not bear for him to suffer because of me.