Saltash flicked an eyelid under his direct scrutiny as he chose his cigar.  He was never more baffling than in his moments of candour.

“There are several things I’ve come to consult you about, Jake,” he said easily, as Jake leaned across with a match.

“I’m listening,” said Jake.

Saltash sent him a quizzical glance as his cigar kindled.  “Prepared to turn me down at all points?” he suggested.

Jake’s mouth relaxed a little.  “Prepared to listen anyway,” he said.  “It’s to do with young Bunny, I take it.”

Saltash leaned back in his chair with a laugh.  “Very smart of you!  Bunny certainly is my first proposition.  What are you going to do with him?”

Jake also leaned back, and smoked for several seconds in silence.  Saltash watched him with semi-comic curiosity.

“Something of a problem, eh?” he said, after a pause.

Jake’s eyes came to him and remained upon him with steady insistence.  “He’s not going to turn into a fancy-dress loafer, my lord,” he said at length in his soft, deliberate voice.  “I’ll see to that anyway.”

“Don’t be nasty, Jake!” protested Saltash with a smile.  “I’m not proposing to adopt him.  But I can give him employment, if that’s what he’s wanting.  What do you want to make of him?”

Jake’s steady look remained upon him.  “Just an honest man, I reckon,” he said.

“Ah!  Quite so!” Open mockery gleamed back at him from Saltash’s half-closed eyes.  “All contaminating influences to be kept away.  Is that it?”

Jake was silent.

Saltash sent a cloud of smoke upwards before he spoke again.  Then:  “I agree with you, Jake,” he said.  “We mustn’t spoil the boy.  He shan’t learn any naughty ways from me.  Come!  That’s a promise.  And I’m not such a blackguard as I used to be.”

“Sure?” said Jake.

Again Saltash’s smile flashed across at him.  “Quite sure, my worthy philosopher,” he made light reply.  “I don’t set up for a model of virtue of course, but at least—­now-a-days—­I never take what I can’t pay for.”

“That so?” said Jake.  He considered the matter for a few moments, then slowly took the cigar from between his lips and spoke.  “It’s certainly true; Bunny is a problem.  He’s not strong; and though he’s got grit, he hasn’t got what I call punching power.  He’s been ordered an out-door life, and he wants to join me in running the stud.  I could do with him of course, but I’ve a strong feeling against it, anyway till he’s older.  It’s not the right atmosphere for him, and it doesn’t bring him in contact with the right people.  He ought to be in the Army, but he wasn’t strong enough.  It’s a big grievance with him for there’s nothing radically wrong; just weak tendencies that he may outgrow if he leads a healthy life and doesn’t strain himself.  We’re just marking time at present, so if you have anything to suggest—­well, I’ve no doubt he’ll be something more than grateful.”