“You’ve got less sense than any cub of your years I ever met up with!” he cried irritably. “How much money do you want for that report and letter? That’s your play, I reckon; and I’d rather shell out a hundred or two than have any trouble with you. How much do I bleed?” The colonel measured Matt with wrathful and inquiring eyes. “You haven’t money enough to buy me!” declared Matt. “Aw, cut it short!” broke in Levitt savagely. “What’s the use of fooling with him any longer? “Wait!” cautioned the colonel. “McGlory,” he went on, to the cowboy, “what do you mean by lugging such a two-faced longhorn into a private and important council like this?” “You’re wide of your trail, colonel,” said McGlory, with spirit. “There’s nothing two-faced about Matt King, and you can spread your blankets and go to sleep on that. He’s the clear quill from spurs to sombrero, and the best pard that ever rode sign with me. Don’t you make any mistake in taking his sizing.” “Well, what is he trying to rope down and tie your bright prospects for?” “He’s got more sense in a minute than I have in a year, and you can bet your boot straps he knows what he’s doing--even if I don’t.” “You’re far wide of your trail, Joseph. Matt King is committing an illegal act this minute. He has property belonging to Levitt and refuses to give it up. He could be jailed for a thief. But we’re not going to jail him. We’ll just take that report and letter from him.” “Then you’ll have to walk over me to do it, colonel!” asserted McGlory. “By gad!” muttered the colonel. “You’ve got as little sense as he has.” “Brainwork never was my long suit, but I’ve seen enough of Pard Matt to feel safe in banking on any notion that he bats up to me.” “Bah!” gibed the colonel. “I’ll talk with you later, McGlory, and take pains to show you the error of your way. As for Matt King, he’s a false friend. He’s jealous because you’re about to come into a fortune, and he’s doing all he can to shift the cut and leave you stranded.” “That’s not true!” said Matt. “Joe knows me better than that.” “Sure I do, pard. Come on, and let’s get out of here.” The actions of the two men were threatening. McGlory started toward the door; but happened to remember that it was locked, and that the colonel had the key in his pocket. “Cough up the key, colonel,” said the cowboy. “Don’t force me to yell and have up that fellow with the knee pants and the lilocks.” “It will be better for you youngsters,” growled the colonel, “if you don’t raise a commotion. The surest way to see the inside of a lockup is by calling for help. Are you going to hand over those papers?” And he turned to Matt. “Last call.” “I’ll return them,” said Matt, “but not till after that meeting to-night.”