"I might do worse, Lady Eileen. They say it's never too late to start. And I've got one good quality that will tell at any game."
"What's that?" asked Bill.
"I don't know when I'm beaten. If everything goes wrong, I turn to and start again!"
And with a determined look on his face, Superintendent Battle came out and joined them, shutting the door behind him.
Chapter XXV
Jimmy Lays His Plans
Jimmy Thesiger was feeling depressed. Avoiding George, whom he suspected of being ready to tackle him on serious subjects, he stole quietly away after lunch. Proficient as he was in details of the Santa Fé boundary dispute, he had no wish to stand an examination on it this minute.
Presently what he hoped would happen came to pass. Loraine Wade, also unaccompanied, strolled down one of the shady garden paths. In a moment Jimmy was by her side. They walked for some minutes in silence and then Jimmy said tentatively:
"Loraine?"
"Yes?"