hand the reins to either of the
ladies but laid them over the dashboard.

The instant the gate was swung open the steed darted forward, and
brought up with a jerk against a post that happened to be in the way.
Here he reared and plunged, causing the young ladies to scream "murder"
at the top of their voices.

"Oh, my! Oh, dear me!" bawled Felix, and took refuge behind a
neighboring hedge. "The horse has gone crazy! He'll bite somebody next!"

The cries reached some men who were not far off, and they came running
to the assistance of the party. One caught the steed by the bridle and
soon had him quieted down.

"I'll never drive that horse again!" said the dude. "Not for a million
dollars!"

"How are we to get home?" queried Belle.

"I'll drive you," said one of the men. "I know this horse. He used to
belong to Bill Perkins. I know how to handle him."

"Then do so," answered Felix, "and I'll pay you two dollars."

The man was as good as his word, and to Felix's astonishment he made the
horse go back to the hotel without the slightest mishap. Then the horse
was put in the stable, the dude paid the bill, and the party separated.

"I shall never drive again, never!" declared the dude to himself, and it
may be added that he kept his word.

"I hope you had a nice drive," said Joe, when he met Felix that evening.

"It was beastly, don't you know," was the answer. "That horse was a
terribly vicious creature."

"He looked to be gentle enough when he started off."

"I think he is a crazy horse."

"By the way, Mr. Gussing, Mr. Silas Simms was looking for you."

"You mean that lawyer who drives the spotted white horse?"

"Yes."

Felix gave a groan.

"He says he wants damages."

"It wasn't my fault that the horse ran into him."

"Well, he is very angry about it, anyway," said our hero.

Early the next morning Felix Gussing received a communication from the
lawyer. It was in the following terms:--

"MR. GUSSING. Sir:--In consequence of your reckless driving yesterday,
I was thrown from my carriage, receiving a contusion on my shoulder and
other injuries. My carriage was also nearly ruined. If you choose
to make a race-course of the public highways you must abide the
consequences. The damage I have sustained I cannot estimate at less than
one hundred and fifty dollars. Indemnify me for that and I will go no
further. Otherwise, I shall be compelled to resort to legal action.

"SILAS SIMMS, Atty."

Felix r