Horatio Alger

“ Gussing had ever driven, this assertion was true in every particular.
"Oh, I can't travel so slow!" cried one of the young ladies, and seized the whip, and before Felix could stop her, used it on the steed.
The effect was magical. The horse started up like a racer, and tore through the street as if trying to win a race for a thousand dollars.
The dude clung to the reins in the wildest terror. To his frenzied imagination it seemed that his final hour was approaching.
"Whoa!" he screamed, jerking on the lines. "Stop, you crazy beast! Stop, before we all get killed!" ”

“ But the thought of the bewitching Belle made him keep his seat, and he resolved that if he must die he would do it like a martyr.
The horse went on, and at last they neared the end of the short journey. But here a new obstacle presented itself. There was a big fence and a gate, and the gate was tight shut. ”

“ Early the next morning Felix Gussing received a communication from the lawyer. It was in the following terms:--
"MR. GUSSING. Sir:--In consequence of your reckless driving yesterday, I was thrown from my carriage, receiving a contusion on my shoulder and other injuries. My carriage was also nearly ruined. If you choose to make a race-course of the public highways you must abide the consequences. The damage I have sustained I cannot estimate at less than one hundred and fifty dollars. ”