raising his hand in token that the negro should stop. As a natural
consequence, the wheels of the two vehicles became interlocked, and as
the powerful grays were more than a match for Sorrel, the front wheel
of Grandpa Markham's wagon was wrenched off, and the old man
precipitated to the ground; which, fortunately for him, was in that
locality covered with sand banks, so that he was only stunned for an
instant, and thus failed to hear the insolent negro's remark: "Served
you right, old cove; might of turned out for gentlemen;" neither did
he see the sudden flashing of Guy Remington's eye, as, leaping from
his carriage, he seized the astonished African by the collar, and,
hurling him from the box, demanded what he meant by serving an old man
so shameful a trick and then insulting him.

All apology and regret, the cringing driver tried to make some excuse,
but Guy stopped him short, telling him to see how much the wagon was
damaged, while he ran to the old man, who had recovered from the first
shock and was trying to extricate himself from the folds of his camlet
cloak. Nearby was a blacksmith's shop, and thither Guy ordered his
driver to take the broken-down wagon with a view to getting it
repaired.

"Tell him I want it done at once." he said, authoritatively, as if he
well knew his name carried weight with it; then, turning to grandpa,
he asked again if he were hurt.

"No, not specially--jolted my old bones some. You are very kind, sir,"
grandpa replied, brushing the dust from his pantaloons and then
involuntarily grasping Guy's arm for support, as his weak knees began
to tremble from the effects of excitement and fright.