XVIII.
MORE ABOUT BEN.
“Benjamin,” said Squire Newcome, two days after the occurrence mentioned in the last chapter, “what made the dog howl so this morning? Was you a doing anything to him?”
“I gave him his breakfast,” said Ben, innocently. “Perhaps he was hungry, and howling for that.”
“I do not refer to that,” said the Squire. “He howled as if in pain or terror. I repeat; was you a doing anything to him?”
Ben shifted from one foot to the other, and looked out of the window.
“I desire a categorical answer,” said Squire Newcome.
“Don't know what categorical means,” said Ben, assuming a perplexed look.
“I desire you to answer me IMMEGIATELY,” explained the Squire. “What was you a doing to Watch?”