Chub was also staggered.
"Get next that he didn't say anything about that underhand work," he commented, "how he had the wireless instruments smashed, and all that."
"He's keeping such things from his daughter," said Susie. "Can you blame him for that?"
"Let him be straight, then," put in Clip. "If he wants the girl to think he's honest and respectable, let him act the part. It's the easiest way."
"It was the gal as done it," grinned Welcome. "Dirk Hawley never'd hev sashayed over here an' give up that quitclaim o' his own free will an' accord. Not him!"
"You don't know about that, Welcome," said Matt. "It isn't always wise to be so quick with your snap judgments."
"And Perry's gone," went on Clip, scowling. "Hawley ordered him out of town. He had to go. And I had no chance to settle our account. Some day we'll meet again. Those of my race do not forget easily. It will keep."
"Perry owes Hawley a heap of plunks, I've heard," put in Chub. "Probably Perry had to hike or face a whole lot of trouble."
Matt stepped over to the prospector and gave him the quitclaim deed.