But we all make mistakes.

Irish made the mistake of underestimating the cunning of his enemies.
So here he was, kicking up the dust on the town trail just as those three intended that he should do.

But that he rode alone instead of in the midst of his fellows was not what the three had intended; and that he rode with the interest of his friends foremost in his mind was also an unforeseen element in the scheme.
Irish did not see H.J.Owens anywhere in town--nor did he see either of the two men who had stood behind him.

But there was a poker game running in Rusty Brown's back room, and Irish immediately sat in without further investigation.

Bert Rogers was standing behind one of the players, and gave Irish a nod and a wink which may have had many meanings.