Spearman drew down an eyelid in a knowing wink.
"'Course I ain't swallerin' that, not noways. It was right funny, that thing ye done over on the hill. I reckon ye've laughed a-considerable about that, hey? I didn't git a chance ter fly with ye, an' the boys hev been joshin' me ever sence about it. Ye ort ter be punished somehow, an' I reckon the easiest and best way ter do that is by letting yer pris'ner go. Ye won't hev no feather in yer cap, an' ye won't hev no thousand dollars. Slim!"
"On deck, Jed."
"I ordered ye, a while ago, ter let that man loose. Now, I order ye ag'in. This time, I want it done!"
"Wait a second!" cried Matt. "Spearman," he went on, "are you such a fool you think you can punish me by allowing this man his freedom?"
"Keerful!" warned the foreman. "Don't git ter callin' names. I won't stand fer that, not fer a minit."
"If you allow this criminal to go, you'll be getting yourself into hot water—you won't be hurting me."
"I know what I'm about. Slim!"
Slim started toward Motor Matt, swinging one hand carelessly but significantly behind him.
"Keep away," said Matt, a dangerous light rising in his eyes. "You'll not let this man go."