"Is that why you've given him such a hopeful name?" asked Saltash.
Jake uttered a brief laugh. "Even so, my lord. He carries my luck with him wherever he goes."
"You're a queer fish, Bolton," observed Saltash, turning to leave the field.
The paddock lay on the further side of the orchard, and here they found the pride of Jake's heart, a frisky black foal who kicked up his heels and scampered at the sight of him.
"He'll take some taming presently," commented Saltash.
"And he'll knock spots off any animal I have ever had to tame," said Jake.
Saltash laughed again with nonchalant interest. "If ever there were the right man in the right place, it is you," he said. "Can we go back through the garden? I believe that's the shortest way." He spoke with a wary glance in the direction whither he wished to go. A white figure was visible on the steps that led into the parlour. "I hear Mrs. Bolton is away," he added, immediately averting his eyes.
Jake turned in his sturdy fashion, and began to walk towards the house. "No, she is at home for the present," he said. "We are expecting Capper. In fact the lad has gone to the station to meet him."
"What! Bunny? Is he really all right? Capper must be a magician!" ejaculated Saltash.
"He is the biggest man I know," said Jake simply.