"He may be surprised that we should give him that horse when we don't ride it ourselves."
"He doesn't know that. He asked me if I ever rode Bucephalus, and I told him yes, but not often, as I preferred my own horse."
"That will do, if John doesn't undeceive him."
"John is a meddlesome fellow," said Jasper, in a tone of vexation. "He tried to persuade him not to ride Bucephalus."
"John makes a fool of himself. I am afraid he will arouse Gilbert's suspicions. If he does, we must do what we can to allay them."
"What shall you do now, father?" inquired Jasper.
"I have not decided. When I have, I may not tell you."
"Why not?" asked Jasper, suspiciously.
"Not from any feeling of distrust, for we are both in the same boat, and equally interested in frustrating your cousin's designs. But it may be necessary to resort to strong—perhaps forcible measures—and it may be well that you should be kept in entire ignorance of them. It is a serious peril for both of us, this claim of Gilbert's, but more so to you. I have already enjoyed the estate for a long time. In the course of nature I have thirty-five years less of life to look forward to than you. Therefore your interest is greater than mine."
"All right, father. Whatever you think best I am ready to agree to; but if you need any help that I can give, just let me know."