Gilbert was a smart boy, or perhaps I should say, young man, but he was not yet acquainted with the "ways that are dark, and the tricks that are vain," to which human craft is often led to resort. Least of all did he suspect any danger to himself from the uncle and cousin, who seemed to vie with each other in ministering to his enjoyment. "Well, Jasper," said his father, the next morning, as they were seated at breakfast, "what plans have you for the enjoyment of our guest?" "You ride on horseback, don't you, Gilbert?" inquired his cousin. "Yes, I can ride a little." "Wouldn't you like a gallop after breakfast?" Gilbert responded readily in the affirmative. He had taken riding lessons in the city, and was accustomed to ride, whenever he had a chance, in the environs of the city. He was, in truth, an excellent rider, having taken lessons of an accomplished teacher, who often referred to him as one of the most proficient of his pupils. But when Jasper questioned him he only answered that he rode a little, having a strong disinclination to boast. "I should think that would be an agreeable plan," said Mr. Grey. "What horses shall you take?" "I will ride on my own. I am used to her, and don't like to change." "How will you mount Gilbert?" "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."