"Well, Sunger, old boy, they didn't get us that time, did they?" he asked as he went into the stall and petted his faithful animal. "They didn't get us though they tried mighty hard. We gave them a run for their money all right, and we'll do it again if they make another try. How are you, anyhow?"
He talked to the pony as though the plucky little fellow were human. And perhaps Sunger understood more than Jack gave him credit for doing. Certainly he had proved his intelligence that day.
Having seen that his mount, on which so much depended, was well bedded down and had enough food and water, Jack went back to the Blake home.
"And now for a pleasant evening," suggested Jennie. "We'll have a game of checkers, Jack. I think I can beat you this time, though you didn't give me half a chance the last time."
"I'll concede you two men," he said, smiling.
"No, indeed!" she exclaimed, half indignantly. "If I can't beat you evenly I don't want to win at all. Just because I'm a girl you'll handicap yourself!"
"Oh well have it your own way," he agreed, smiling at her energetic words.
"Well, isn't this better than riding on the lonesome mountain trail, thinking every minute you're going to be held up?" asked Jennie, when one game had been finished, Jack winning as usual.
"It certainly is!" he agreed, as he looked around the pleasant room. "But then, you know, business before pleasure."
"Not when it isn't absolutely necessary," remarked Mrs. Blake.