"'You must dock the tail close, Ben,' were the words that Bernard heard; 'she will sell for nothing in that fashion.'
"'Oh, no, no!' cried Bernard, running forward, 'Lucilla would not like it; she said she would always have it long to flitch away the flies.'
"'Who bid you speak?' said Stephen.
"'Is she not my horse now?' cried Bernard.
"'No more yours than mine,' replied Stephen.
"'Don't cut her tail, Benjamin,' returned Bernard.
"'Hold your peace,' said Stephen.
"'Only stay till Mr. Evans comes home,' said Bernard.
"'Do it now,' said Stephen.
"Bernard was beside himself; he called Stephen cruel, deceitful, and anything else he could think of, and he tried to seize the halter of the pony.