"
"And you?" questioned Saltash, with a grimace at the ceiling.
"I too," said Jake, "if it's for the boy's good."
"You needn't hold a pistol at my head," protested Saltash. "I shan't put
him in the way of any short cuts to the devil. All I have to offer him is
the post of bailiff at Burchester Castle, as old Bishop has got beyond
his job. I can't turn the old beggar out, but I want a young man to take
the burden off his shoulders. Do you think that sort of thing would be
beneath Bunny's dignity, or likely to upset his morals?"
"He'd probably jump at the chance," said Jake.
"Which is more than his worthy brother-in-law does on his behalf,"
grinned Saltash.
"No," Jake's steady eyes met the gibe unfaltering. "I know it's a chance
that doesn't come every day, and I know you mean well by him. I shan't
put any hindrance in the way."
"Then it's done," said Saltash. "Bunny's fate is sealed."
"I hope not." Jake still gravely watched him, but not as if he sought for
anything in the baffling, mobile countenance. "What do you want him for
anyway?"
Saltash flicked the ash from his cigar. "Perhaps I'm turning
philanthropist, Jake. Do you know the symptoms? I've been anxious about
myself several times lately.
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