The crowd fell back on either side to let him pass, and he was making straight towards the standard, when Old Dare of Taunton stepped out suddenly and seized the bridle.
"How now!" said he. "How came you by that horse?"
"HOW NOW! HOW CAME YOU BY THAT HORSE?"
"I took it from its stable at the 'George'," replied the other.
"Then know that it is mine, and take it back," rejoined Old Dare with heat.
"Nay, friend," said Fletcher calmly, "you err most grievously; for are not all things common to the Cause? Let go her head, I pray you."
"Nay, but I will not," rejoined the old man stoutly. "No legs save mine have stridden her, nor shall they."
"Ah! there you surely err again," laughed Fletcher, "for are not mine astride her at this very moment?"
That angered Dare beyond endurance; putting forth all his strength he strove to turn the horse, while Fletcher, using rein and bridle, urged it forward. At this Old Dare went clean beside himself with rage; let go a string of oaths and curses terrible to hear; and, when the other mocked him, drew a riding-switch from out his boot and struck him full across the face. 'Twas a cruel, maddening blow, and, in an instant, Fletcher snatched a pistol from his saddle-bow and shot the old man dead.