tter take Sidney; but in that case I shall probably ride away
from you."

"I'll take Bucephalus," said Gilbert, in decided tones. "I am not in
the least afraid, and I think I can keep up with you."

"On that horse I am sure you can."

John saw that further remonstrance would be unavailing, and very
reluctantly got ready the mettlesome steed. Gilbert jumped on his back
and put his feet in the stirrups.

John came to his side, and said, in a low voice:

"Be very careful, sir. Let him have his way, and don't chafe or vex
him. I hope you won't have any trouble."

"I don't think I shall. Thank you."

"What could possess Mr. Jasper to be so particular to have his friend
ride out on the ugly brute?" thought John, as he watched the two
galloping up the road. "He wouldn't trust himself on his back. Maybe he
won't mind it so much if the other gets a broken limb or broken neck. I
hope there won't be no accident. That Gilbert, as he calls himself,
looks like a nice, gentlemanly lad. I think I'd like him much better
than Mr. Jasper, who does put on airs, and orders me round as if I was
a dog."

John watched the two till a turn in the road concealed them from his
view, and then went back to his work. But his thoughts could not help
dwelling on the rash youth who had placed himself at the mercy of this
ill-tempered steed, and he heartily wished he could be sure of his safe
return.

We will now follow the two riders, and inquire how they sped.

Jasper soon found that Gilbert knew how to ride. His position was easy
and unconstrained, and his seat was firm. He seemed as much at ease as
in a parlor. But then Bucephalus was behaving well. He showed spirit,
but was obedient to the rein.

"How do you like Bucephalus?" inquired Jasper.

"I find no fault with him. He is a fine horse. What made your coachman
so afraid of trusting me on him?"

"I hope you won't be angry with John," answered Jasper, laughing, "but
he doubted whether you could ride. If you didn't know anything about
riding, your horse would soon find it out, and take advantage of it."

"Almost any horse would do that."

"Of course."

"I suppose you have ridden Bucephalus, Jasper?"

"Certainly, though not often. I am used to my own horse--General, I
call him--and I naturally prefer him."

Jasper did not speak the truth. He had never ridden Bucephalus, nor
would he have done so for a considerable sum of money, though he was by
no means a poor rider. But Gilbe