A CONFESSION. 133

-but I thought Adolphus was a pretty good horse-
man."
 I never saw Baffle kick anything like so viciously
as he did to-day; I don't think either that Adolphus
has a steady seat, and he is extremely nervous. We
could see how frightened he was as soon as the pony
became restive, and I believe he completely lost his
presence of mind."
 Just then Jack entered the room. He said Adol-
phus had been carried into the doctor's house as
he left.
 How did he seem ?" asked Mrs. Leslie; "had he
recovered consciousness ?"
 "Yes, I think so," said Jack, "the poor fellow was
groaning with pain at the movement, though they
were carrying him ever so slowly and gently: he
looks fearfully bad."
 "When will your father be back, do you know,
Jack, for I must have tea ready, he will be fairly
worn out ?"
 "He'll be up almost at once, aunt; as soon as
he has helped to carry Adolphus upstairs to bed.
There, I hear him now!" said Jack, running out to
open the door for his father.
 Mr. Gilbert looked very grave and anxious as he
entered the room, and threw himself into his chair
without a word.