"Why do you always go thus armed?"
"So as to be ready to shoot at a moment's notice; so as to be ready when some impertinent bully draws a weapon as you have done—yes, I always go ready for impertinent fellows wherever I may meet them."
There followed a moment's silence, and then the visitor said:
"My friend, you had better not attempt to draw a weapon on me; in plain language I am an officer. I have reason to know that you are a fraud; do not attempt any 'bluff' on me, for I've been on your track for two weeks; but I'll give you a chance."
Jack, as our readers know, was perfectly cool. He enjoyed the scene—enjoyed it hugely—and he said:
"You will give me a chance?"
"I will, a good chance."
"Thank you."
"But you must earn the chance."
"Oh, I must earn it?"