he blame on
myself, and that was putting it on the right shoulders. There's no harm
in Bob; there are many worse fellows than he is."

"But perhaps," said Miss Huntingdon, "he may not be a very desirable
companion for all that."

"Perhaps not, auntie.--Well, father, if you don't mind my riding this
time, I'll try and keep a little more out of his way in future."

"I think you had better, my boy; you are not likely to gain much either
in reputation or pocket by the acquaintance. You know it was only the
other day that he helped to let you in for losing a couple of sovereigns
in that wretched affair on Marley Heath; and one of them was lost to
about the biggest blackguard anywhere hereabouts. I think, my boy, it
is quite time that you kept clear of such things."

"Indeed, father. I almost think so too; and, at any rate, you won't
find me losing any more sovereigns to Jim Jarrocks. But I'm almost
pledged to Saunders to ride in this steeplechase. It will be capital
fun, and no harm, and perhaps I may never have another chance."

"I had rather you didn't," said his father; "anyhow, your friend
Saunders must find you a horse for I am not going to have one of mine
spoilt again, and your own pony would make but a poor figure in a
steeplechase."

"All right, father," replied Walter, and the conversation passed on to
another subject.

The three weeks came and went; the steeplechase came off, and Walter was
one of the riders. The admired of all eyes, he for a time surmounted
all difficulties. At last, in endeavouring to clear an unusually wide
ditch, he was thrown, and his horse so badly injured that the poor
animal had to be shot. Walter himself, though stunned and bruised, was
not seriously hurt, and was able to return home in time for dinner.

The party had assembled in the drawing-room, all but Mr Huntingdon.
Five minutes--ten--a quarter of an hour past the usual time, but the
squire had not made his appearance. At last his step was heard rapidly
approaching. Then he flung the door hastily open, and rushed into the
room, his face flushed, and his chest heaving with anger. Striding up
to Walter, he exclaimed: "So this is the end of your folly and
disobedience. You go contrary to my orders, knowing that I would not
have you take part in the steeplechase; you ruin another man's horse
worth some three hundred guineas; and then you come home, just as if
nothing had happened, and expect me, I suppose, to pay th