I recalled my useless persuasion of the morning. "I believe you are right."
"Of course I'm right," replied Jack, turning a page of his paper. "Do you know where he has gone?"
"I think the telegram explains everything,"—evasively.
"Humph! Don't you worry about him, Nan. I'll wager he's up to some of his old-time deviltry."
These and other little observations Jack let fall made it plain to me that he was a natural student of men and their impulses, and that his insight and judgment, unerring and anticipatory, had put him where he is to-day, at the head of a department.
I left the house about ten o'clock, went downtown and found the prodigal at a cheap hotel on Pennsylvania. He was looking over some boots and leggings and ready-made riding breeches.
"Aha, Chuck, so here you are!"
"Look here, Bob, this will never do at all," I began.
"I thought we had threshed all that out thoroughly this morning."
"I left Nancy crying over your blamed callousness."