I have not seen Jasper yet."

"He went out ridin'. He's fond of ridin'."

"Is he a good rider?"

"Pretty good, sar. He thinks he's first-rate," added Pompey, laughing.
"Do you ride, sar?"

"A little."

"Maybe you'll ride out with Massa Jasper?"

"Has my--Mr. Grey got many horses?"

"Four, sar. Two are carriage horses, and two are for ridin'. But I'm
'ruptin' you, sar. Dinner at one o'clock."

"I will be punctual."

"I like his looks," said Pompey. "He's better-lookin' than Massa
Jasper. Looks like he was better-tempered, too."

CHAPTER XXIX.

GILBERT AND JASPER.

Gilbert went to the window and looked out. He was glad to find that it
afforded him a prospect of the Mississippi, a mile distant. He could
not help speculating on the singular position in which he found himself
placed. He had come to this place expecting to receive abuse and
defiance from his uncle. On the other hand he had been politely
welcomed, and was now a guest. He didn't understand it, but he was glad
of it. He was prepared to contend, but he would much prefer to
compromise in a friendly manner. His uncle had wronged him, but he was
not vindictive.

Meanwhile Jasper, who had been out to the stables, returned to the
house and entered his father's presence. He only came in for something
he had left in the library, but his father detained him.

"Stop a minute, Jasper," he said. "I want to speak to you."

Jasper turned unwillingly, for he anticipated some remonstrance or
criticism upon his conduct.

"I wanted to go out," he said.

"I wish to speak to you on a matter of importance," said his father,
seriously.

"Now for a blowing up," thought Jasper. "I suppose I must grin and bear
it."

But this time he was mistaken.

"You are going to have company for a few days," said James Grey.

"Who is it?" asked Jasper, in surprise.

"A boy of about your own age. He is up stairs preparing for dinner at
this moment."

"Is it any one I know?"

"It is not."

"What is his name?"

"He calls himself Gilbert Grey."

"Is he any relation?"

"He calls himself your cousin."

"Why do you say 'calls himself?'" inquired Jasper, in some
mystification.

"Because I do not propose to admit his claim. While he is here, he will
pass as a distant relative."

"I don't understand, father. Is his claim a false one?"

"Listen, Jasper, for it is fitting that you should know all, since you
are quite as much interested as I am. Do you remem