"What are you up to now?" inquired Abe, as Jimmy walked into the barn in a lordly way and took down the saddle.
"Up to takin' a ride," answered Jimmy, in a way that nettled his older brother.
"Not on that saddle, you ain't!" retorted Abe. "I'm goin' to mill."
"Then you'll have to ride bareback," was the cool reply. "I'm goin' on an errand for mother, and, what's more, I'm goin' to have the saddle. Can't I, pa?" he asked, as his father came in.
"No, Jimmy," answered his father, when both boys had stated the case. "Abe is bigger, and he's got the farthest to go."
Abe laughed provokingly. "I don't care!" muttered Jimmy. "You couldn't be trusted to do the errand. Mother said so. So you needn't laugh."
Abe's face flushed. He knew his failing, and did not like to be reminded of it.
"You can take Maria's side-saddle!" called Mr. Perkins, as he went on out to the corn-crib.
"Better not," remarked Abe. "It's brand-new, and she'd feel awful bad if anything should happen to it. It might get spoiled."