“He seemed to think you were the cause of his dismissal, and he said he would ‘make it all right.’ He’s got a bad temper when he’s boozing.” “Why, I didn’t say anything to your father about Wade.” “I know it, but I told father about your trouble with him, and it is possible that’s why father was so ready to get rid of the fellow. Father insists that his guests shall be treated properly by everybody connected with the place.” “If Mr. Wade knows what’s good for him, he’ll let Merry alone,” declared Rattleton. “He may not be seen around here again,” said Kenneth. “Father told him to get away and stay away.” The boys’ discussed the prospect of a hunt and grew very enthusiastic over it, with the exception of Browning. Hodge was aroused, for he fancied he saw his opportunity of making evident the fact that he was quite as good a horseman as Diamond, whom he could not help envying for the glory he had won at polo. Bart had not been able to change his nature, and so he frequently was jealous of others, although he tried to suppress and conceal the fact, and, when he considered it in cold blood, he was always disgusted with himself. Kenneth said the visitors at the house, those who had arrived that day and remained there, had been talking of a hunt, but it was not thought probable there would be an opportunity thus early in the season. The cold turn would be sure to arouse their expectations, however, and he would see that they were prepared for what might happen in the morning. “I’ll guarantee a mount for every one who cares to go,” he said; “so don’t any one worry about getting left.” The prospect of such sport seemed to revive Hodge, and he challenged Rattleton to a game of billiards, which challenge was promptly accepted. St. Ives rang the bell for a colored boy, who lighted up the billiard-room, and soon Bart and Harry were at it, while the others lay around and looked on. St. Ives motioned to Frank and Jack. “You fellows come with me,” he said. “I’ve something to show you.” They followed, and he took them out to the huge dog kennel, which was a house by itself, located under the trees by the stables. Their approach aroused the dogs, but the sound of St. Ives’ voice quieted them, and the boys entered. Kenneth lighted two lamps, while the dogs frolicked around him. “Down, Bruiser—down!” he ordered. “Off Pirate! Away, Madge—get out!” The dogs obeyed him reluctantly, “There, fellows,” he cried, proudly, “what do you think of them? I say they are all right, and they are dying for a run. I reckon they will get it in the morning.” Frank and Jack looked the dogs over critically. Diamond’s eyes gleamed and he called Pirate to his feet. “Here is the old dandy for any sum!” cried the Virginian. “That dog will be in at the death if he can keep a foot under him.” Kenneth nodded. “Pirate is a great hunter,” he said; “but he doesn’t run away from Madge very often.” For half an hour they looked the dogs over, and then left the kennel.