"I don't know about that," said John. "I am only a boy of fifteen, and she is my father's widow. If she chooses to take the horse away, I don't know that I can do anything."
"Ben Brayton is a mean rascal. Didn't he get a gold watch at the same time that you got the horse?"
"Yes; he might have had a horse too, but he preferred the watch and chain. They cost as much as Prince."
"That's what I call hoggish. I only wish Ben Brayton would come to school, and sit next to me."
"What for?" asked John, a little surprised at this remark.
"Wouldn't I stick pins into him, that's all. I'd make him yell like--a locomotive," said Sam, the simile being suggested by the sound of the in-coming train.
"That's an old trick of yours," he said, "I remember you served me so once. And yet you profess to be my friend."
"I didn't stick it in very far," said Sam, apologetically; "it didn't hurt much, did it?"
"Well, I didn't mean to have it. Maybe I miscalculated the distance."
"It's all right, if you don't try it again. And now about the advice."
"I wouldn't be imposed upon," said Sam. "Between you and me I don't think much of your stepmother."
"Nor she of you," said John, slyly. "I heard her say the other day that you were a disgrace to the neighborhood with your mischievous tricks."
"That is the 'most unkindest' cut of all," said Sam. "I'd shed a few tears if I hadn't left my handkerchief at home. I have a great mind to tell you something," he added, more gravely.
"It's something that concerns you, only I happened to overhear it, which isn't quite fair and aboveboard, I know. Still I think I had better tell you. You know my father was your father's lawyer?"
"Well, he as well as everybody else was surprised at the will that left everything to your stepmother, only he had the best reason to be surprised. I was sitting out on our piazza when I heard him tell my mother that only three months ago your father came to his office, and had a will drawn up, leaving all the property to you, except the thirds which your stepmother was entitled to."
"Only three months ago?" said John, thoughtfully.
"And did he take away the will with him?"
"Yes; he thought at first of leaving it in my father's charge, but finally decided to keep it himself."