"Just cover that wee trifle," said Easy, revealing a ten-dollar bill.
"Sorry to rob you, Murphy," said Nick, "but it's awfully decent of you to accommodate me. We'll hand it to Butte just before the curtain goes up."
"'Tis a great pleasure till contribute," agreed Easy light-heartedly. Then he added slyly, "By the way, Nick, did ye miss anny tools from yer tool-chist lately?"
"Not that I know of," was the frank reply.
"Shure we found wan uv Rob McClure's wrenches in our separator yisturr-day."
Nick's interest perceptibly increased.
"'Tis not the act uv a gintleman, but a dirty trick uv Snoopy Bill Baird, and 'tis achin' I am till spile the impudint jaw of the Snoopy wan fer the same foul act."
Nick's blood began to sweep into his animated face. But the other continued:
"Howld yer timper, lad. I'm not afthurr blamin' you, Nick. Yer as innocent as the lambs in the spring."
His voice grew sweet as honey and he made a suspicious motion to his breast pocket.