Dick was apparently in good spirits that night, and he was plainly at his ease. Having taken his cue from his hostess, he devoted himself in a large measure to her entertainment, and all went smoothly between them. When she and Juliet left the table she gave him a smiling invitation to come and play to them. "I haven't brought the old banjo," he said, "but I'll make my wife sing. She is going to help me this winter at the Club concerts." "Brave Juliet!" said Vera, as she went out. "I wouldn't face that crowd of roughs for a king's ransom." "She has nothing to be afraid of," said Dick with quick confidence. "I wouldn't let her do it if there were any danger." "They seem to be in an ugly mood just now," said the squire. "Yes, I know." Dick turned back to him, closing the door. "But, taken the right way, they are still manageable. There is just a chance that we may keep them in hand if that fellow Ivor Yardley can be induced to see reason. The rest of the Wilchester crew don't care a damn, but he has more brains. I'm counting on him." "How are you going to get hold of him?" questioned Fielding. "I suppose I must go up to town some week-end. I haven't told Juliet yet. Unlike the average woman, she seems to have a holy hatred of London and all its ways. So I presume she will stay behind." "Perhaps we could get him down here," suggested the squire. Dick gave him a swift look. "I've thought of that," he said. "Well?" said Fielding. Dick hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure that I want him," he said. "He and Saltash are friends for one thing. And there are besides--various reasons." "You don't like Saltash?" said the squire. Dick laughed a little. "I don't hate him--though I feel as if I ought to. He's a queer fish. I don't trust him." "You're jealous!" said Fielding. Dick nodded. "Very likely. He has an uncanny attraction for women. I wanted to kick him the last time we met." "And what did Juliet say?" "Oh, Juliet read me a lecture and told me I wasn't to. But I think the less we see of each other the better--if I am to keep on my best behaviour, that is." "It's a good thing someone can manage you," remarked Fielding. "Juliet is a wonderful peacemaker. But even she couldn't keep you from coming to loggerheads with Jack apparently. What was that fight about?" Dirk's brows contracted. "It wasn't a fight, sir," he said shortly. "I've never fought Jack in my life. He did an infernal thing, and I made him quit, that's all." "What did he do?" asked the squire. Then as Dick made a gesture of refusal: "Damn it, man, he was in my employment anyway! I've a right to know why he cleared out."