Jake's fingers closed and held. He said nothing, merely waited.
And very suddenly—after his own headlong fashion—Bunny made unconditional surrender. "Oh, get out, you beastly groom!" he said, and wrung Jake's hand with all the force he could muster. "All right! It's done!"
Jake made an odd movement as of tension relaxed though none had been apparent in his bearing. He struck Bunny on the shoulder the blow of a friend.
"That's the biggest thing you've ever done for me, pard," he said with a smile. "Reckon I shan't forget it. Take it out of me next time!"
"You bet I will!" said Bunny.
He linked his arm through Jake's and gripped it hard. His eyes were shining as they passed out together into the gathering dusk. He had made a considerable sacrifice, but Jake had the gift of making him realize that it was worth while.
CHAPTER VIII
THE ALLY
A squeal of childish laughter echoed down the long passage that led from the nurseries, followed by a shuffling sound along the floor.
"Hold tight!" cried a voice, a gay, boyish voice, "I'm going to gallop!"