Jack nodded slowly. "I've never known him fail yet in anything he set his mind to—at least, only once. And that was a fluke."
"What sort of a fluke?" questioned Adela, who was frankly curious.
"When Buckskin Bill slipped through his fingers." Jack spoke thoughtfully. "That's the only time I ever knew him fail, and I'm not sure that it wasn't intentional then."
"Intentional!" Adela opened her eyes.
Jack smiled a little. "I don't say it was so. I only say it was possible. But never mind that! It's an old story, and the man got away, anyhow—disappeared, dropped out. Possibly he's dead. I hope he is. He did mischief enough in a short time."
"He set the whole district humming, didn't he?" said Adela. "They say all the women fell in love with him at sight. I wish I'd seen him."
Jack broke into a laugh. "You'd certainly have fallen a victim!"
She tossed her head. "I'm sure I shouldn't. I prefer respectable men. Shall we lay an extra plate in case Mr. Hill turns up?"
"No," said Jack. "Let him come unexpectedly!"
She gave him a shrewd look. "You think Dot will like that best?"