rt?"

"He might ride on Bucephalus."

"Isn't Bucephalus a little skittish?"

"That is what they say at the stable; but I am not so easily scared."

"Why not use Sidney?"

"Sidney is not very well; he has had a bad cold. Still, if Gilbert is
afraid of mounting Bucephalus"--there was an intentional covert sneer
in Jasper's tone--"he can try Sidney."

Now Gilbert was not timid, and did not like to be considered so. Had he
really known the character of the horse designed for him, his cousin's
words would still have decided him to take the risk.

"I am not in the least afraid," he said. "I'll ride Bucephalus."

"Don't you think you had better take the other horse?" urged James
Grey, hypocritically.

"No, sir," said Gilbert, with decision. "If Sidney is sick I would much
rather try Bucephalus, even if he is a trifle spirited."

"A trifle spirited," thought his uncle. "I wouldn't trust myself on the
brute for ten thousand dollars."

"If you're ready, Gilbert, we'll go out to the stable," said Jasper.

They left the house and proceeded in the direction of the stable.

"Ten to one he'll come back hurt," James Grey said to himself, "if he
comes back at all," he added, with an evil smile.

CHAPTER XXXI.

BUCEPHALUS.

The stable was a handsome building, very complete in its appointments,
for both Mr. Grey and Jasper were fond of horses. Opening the small
door at one side the boys saw John, the coachman, washing the carriage.

"John, we want the saddle-horses," said Jasper. "Gilbert and I are
going to ride."

"You will ride your own horse, Mr. Jasper?"

"Yes."

"And your friend will ride Sidney?"

"No; he will take Bucephalus."

John shook his head.

"Sidney's better for him," he said. "I wouldn't trust Bucephalus."

"John, you're a fool!" said Jasper, impatiently. "Gilbert isn't a
baby."

"I know he isn't, Mr. Jasper, but all the same I wouldn't advise him
riding Bucephalus."

"What are you afraid of?"

"He's a contrary brute, while Sidney's as good-natured as a kitten."

"Oh, well, we'd better have a kitten at once. Gilbert, we've got an old
cat in the house, warranted safe. If John thinks it more prudent, we'll
saddle her for you. A kitten might be too wild and skittish."

Gilbert laughed.

"I think I won't disturb the old cat," he said. "I'll try Bucephalus."

"Better not, sir," said the coachman.

"Of course, if you are afraid," said Jasper, with another covert sneer,
"you'd be