He sprang to his feet. "I've been making love to your wife, Jake," he said, "and she has been heroically but quite ineffectually trying to keep me at a distance. I'd better go before I'm kicked out, eh?"
"Don't go on my account!" said Jake.
Saltash's brows twitched comically. "Generous as ever! But I'm a rotten villain, Jake. I never could keep it up, and your virtuous presence is the last straw. Good-bye—and many thanks!"
He held Maud's hand in his right and stretched his left to Jake with a smile half whimsical and half derisive.
"There's nothing like banking on the hundredth chance," he said. "I shall try it myself one of these days."
"Say!" said Jake in his soft drawl. "I wish you luck!"
Saltash laughed and turned away, to be instantly seized upon by Bunny.
"I say you are a good chap! The boss has been telling me. You're going to put me up to a job."
"If you'll take it," said Saltash.
Bunny thrust a hand through his arm and squeezed it impulsively. "I'll take anything from you, Charlie. Hope I shall be man enough for you, that's all."