It had been a swift maneuvre on Jack's part, and it might have disconcerted a younger man and driven him into ill-considered action.

But it was not this man's nature to act upon impulse.

His caution was well known.

It had been his safeguard in many a difficulty.

It stood him in good stead now.
So for a space he remained, looking out over the widespread grasslands, his grim face oddly softened and made human.