"Oh, nonsense. Get in and have a drive," Ben insisted.

Douglas noted that Nell's face became somewhat pale. Her clear eyes,
filled with courage, never wavered. She had made up her mind and he
knew that nothing could change her from her purpose. She did not at
once reply to Ben's request.

"Get in," he ordered, "and don't be foolish."

"I tell you I prefer to walk," she repeated. "I am quite satisfied
with my own company this afternoon."

With this parting thrust, Nell was about to resume her walk when Ben
with a savage oath sprang toward her.

"No, you don't get away as easy as that," he roared. "I want to know
the meaning of such actions."

Nell's anger was now aroused, and she turned swiftly upon the brute.

"You know very well why I will not ride with you. Have you forgotten
last night? This is the King's highway, and I am at liberty to go as I
please."

"To h---- with the King," Ben retorted, as he reached out and caught
her fiercely by the arm.

At once a cry of pain broke from Nell's lips, and wildly she tore away
the gripping fingers. Her face was distorted with pain, and her right
hand pressed firmly her wounded arm.

Ben's oath concerning the King caused Douglas' face to darken and his
eyes to blaze. He sprang quickly forward, and seized the wretch by the
collar just as Nell forced his grip from her arm. He shook him as a
terrier would shake a rat and left him at length sprawling in the
middle of the road, his clothes all covered with dust.

"If you want some more, get up," Douglas remarked, as he stood viewing
his prostrate victim. "How dare you insult the King, and lay your foul
hands upon this woman? Get up, I tell you, and clear out of this at
once."

As Ben made no effort to obey, but lay there with his face to the
ground, Douglas reached down, caught him by the coat collar, and landed
him on his feet.

"Take your car and get away from here," he ordered. "Don't open your
mouth, or it won't be well for you."

With face livid with rage and with shaking limbs, Ben did as he was
commanded. He was thoroughly cowed, and not once did he look back as
he crawled into his car, started it, and sped down the road.

Douglas paid no more attention to Ben but turned immediately toward
Nell.

"I am sorry for what has happened," he apologised. "I hope you----"

He stopped suddenly, for he noticed a deep crimson stain on the white
dress where Ben had clutched her arm.

"Did he do