like to give him a
sensation."

Considering the manner in which Mark had treated his stepbrother, Frank
may be excused for the wish to puzzle him a little.

Finding himself lonely, Mark decided to take a walk not long after
Frank's departure. He was sauntering along the road, when he heard the
sound of hoofs, and, to his surprise, saw his stepbrother on the back of
Ajax.

His first thought was that Frank had gone to Col. Vincent's stable and
brought away Ajax without permission, in defiance of Mr. Manning's will.
He resolved to take him to task for it immediately. Frank purposely
slackened the speed of his horse in order to give Mark the chance he
sought.

"Why are you riding Ajax?" asked Mark.

"It is a pleasant evening," answered Frank, "and I thought I should
enjoy it."

"Where did you get him?"

"From Col. Vincent's stable, where he never ought to have been carried,"
answered Frank, with spirit.

"You seem to think you can do anything you like, Frank Courtney," said
Mark, provoked, deciding that his suspicions were well founded.

"Is there any particular reason why I should not ride Ajax?" demanded
Frank.

"You have made yourself liable to arrest for horse stealing," said Mark.
"It would serve you right if Col. Vincent should have you arrested and
tried."

"I don't think he will gratify your kind wishes, Mark."

"Just wait and see what my father has to say to you."

"I have only done what I had a perfect right to do; but I can't stop to
dispute with you. I must finish my ride. Hey, Ajax!"

As he spoke the horse dashed into a gallop, and Mark was left looking
after him in a disturbed frame of mind.

"I'll tell my father as soon as he gets home," he decided; and he kept
his word.

In consequence, Frank, by that time returned, was summoned into Mr.
Manning's presence.

"What is this I hear?" he began. "Did you ride Ajax this evening?"

"Yes, sir."

"Where did you find him?"

"In Col. Vincent's stable."

"This is a high-handed proceeding, Frank Courtney. Have you any excuse
to offer?"

"None is needed sir. Col. Vincent has given me permission to ride him
whenever I please."

"It appears to me, Mark," said Mr. Manning, sharply, "that you have made
a fool of yourself."

"How should I know?" replied Mark, mortified by the collapse of his
sensation. "Frank didn't tell me he had leave to use the horse."

And he left the room, looking foolish.

CHAPTER X

MARK YIELDS TO TEMPTATIO