Making His Way; Or, Frank Courtney's Struggle Upward. Alger Horatio Jr.

been carried," answered Frank, with spirit.

      "You seem to think you can do anything you like, Frank Courtney," said Mark, provoked, deciding that his suspicions were well founded.

      "Is there any particular reason why I should not ride Ajax?" demanded Frank.

      "You have made yourself liable to arrest for horse stealing," said Mark. "It would serve you right if Col. Vincent should have you arrested and tried."

      "I don't think he will gratify your kind wishes, Mark."

      "Just wait and see what my father has to say to you."

      "I have only done what I had a perfect right to do; but I can't stop to dispute with you. I must finish my ride. Hey, Ajax!"

      As he spoke the horse dashed into a gallop, and Mark was left looking after him in a disturbed frame of mind.

      "I'll tell my father as soon as he gets home," he decided; and he kept his word.

      In consequence, Frank, by that time returned, was summoned into Mr. Manning's presence.

      "What is this I hear?" he began. "Did you ride Ajax this evening?"

      "Yes, sir."

      "Where did you find him?"

      "In Col. Vincent's stable."

      "This is a high-handed proceeding, Frank Courtney. Have you any excuse to offer?"

      "None is needed sir. Col. Vincent has given me permission to ride him whenever I please."

      "It appears to me, Mark," said Mr. Manning, sharply, "that you have made a fool of yourself."

      "How should I know?" replied Mark, mortified by the collapse of his sensation. "Frank didn't tell me he had leave to use the horse."

      And he left the room, looking foolish.

      CHAPTER X

      MARK YIELDS TO TEMPTATION

      There are some boys, as well as men, who cannot stand prosperity.

      It appeared that Mark Manning was one of these.

      While his stepmother was living and his father's prospects—and consequently his own—were uncertain, he had been circumspect in his behavior and indulged in nothing that could be considered seriously wrong.