So perhaps my downfall as a lover was a precursor of better results as an officer.
I held in abeyance my last conclusion regarding Sampson and Wright, and only awaited Steele's return to have fixed in mind what these men were.
Wright's remark about Steele not returning did not worry me.

I had heard many such dark sayings in reference to Rangers.
Rangers had a trick of coming back.

I did not see any man or men on the present horizon of Linrock equal to the killing of Steele.
As Miss Sampson and Sally had no inclination to ride, I had even more freedom.

I went down to the town and burst, cheerily whistling, into Jim Hoden's place.
Jim always made me welcome there, as much for my society as for the money I spent, and I never neglected being free with both.

I bought a handful of cigars and shoved some of them in his pocket.
"How's tricks, Jim ?" I asked cheerily.
"Reckon I'm feelin' as well as could be expected," replied Jim.