low out the suggestions made.

"If they are not foundered already they will be unless we do something
for them at once. Let's rub them down thoroughly, and then start them
back at a walk."

Jim objected to doing what he considered useless work, and would have
started the exhausted animals on the return at once, if Ralph had not
assumed a tone that startled him.

"During the ride I held my peace, because I could do no good; but now I
want you distinctly to understand that you will do as I say in regard to
caring for these horses, or there will be trouble between us. I should
not hesitate for a moment, after what you have done, to leave you here
and drive back alone."

"You might not hesitate, providing you could get me out of the
carriage," replied Jim, pertly; "but I might have something to say if
you should attempt any interference."

"Look here, Mr. James Lansel," said Ralph, decidedly, trying not to
betray by his voice the anger he felt, "you will please understand now
that I have interfered, and that I shall do exactly what I say. You will
come out here and help me to care for these horses you have abused, or I
shall endeavor to prove to your entire satisfaction which one of us is
master."

While Ralph had been speaking he had unfastened the traces of the
horses, and by the time he concluded, one of the animals was clear from
the carriage. Had he not done so it is extremely probable that Jim
might have tried to run away and leave him, instead of being left. As it
was, however, he apparently did not think it either a pleasant or a safe
operation to measure strength with a boy fresh from school, and after a
moment's hesitation, in a very sulky sort of way he alighted, doing as
Ralph had commanded.

The gallant little steeds were rubbed down well with dried grass; Ralph
rinsed their mouths out as cleanly as possible with water from the side
of the road, but taking good care not to allow them any to drink, and
for an hour the two boys--one through fear, and the other because of his
care for his friend's property--did all they could for the comfort of
the animals.

During all this time Jim had not spoken once, and Ralph was quite
content to let him sulk as much as he wished; he felt as though Jim and
his partners had done him a grievous wrong in placing him in such a
position as made it seem that he had aided in the abusing and temporary
theft of George's horses, and if the entire party of moonlighters chose
t