It was given to me as a birthday present by my mother." "I had some such idea, and expressly asked Mr.Manning whether the horse was not yours." "What did he answer ?" "That it was only nominally yours, and that he thought it best to sell it, as both you and Mark were absent at school, and had no time to use it." "I am not surprised at anything Mr.Manning may say," said Frank.
"It's too bad! I'll tell you what I will do, Frank.

I haven't paid for the horse yet.

I will return it to Mr.Manning, and tell him that I bought it under a misapprehension of the ownership.

I don't think he will make any fuss." "I would rather have you keep it, sir." "You would!" exclaimed the colonel, in surprise.
"Yes, sir.

If you should return Ajax, Mr.Manning would sell him to some one else, and you, I know, will treat him well." "But you will lose the use of him.