"Ah! Well, sir, my name's Legree. I suppose you're looking for Motor Matt?"
"Another bull's-eye for you. I came here on a telegram from Motor Matt saying that there had been important developments concerning my automobile that was stolen from me near Ash Fork. Where's Motor Matt?"
"He is unavoidably absent just now," answered Legree, "but I am confidently expecting him to appear at any moment. To be frank with you, sir, I sent that telegram and signed Motor Matt's name to it."
The cattleman became indignant.
"You're pretty fresh, seems to me!" said he. "What business had you doing a thing like that?"
"Because I wanted you here. Your car was in town yesterday. One of the thieves brought it in for a supply of gasoline and oil. Motor Matt and I tried to capture the thief, but he got away from us and took the car with him."
"Who are you, if you haven't any objection to answerin' a straight question?" demanded the cattleman.
"Step into the waiting-room with me for a few moments," replied Legree, "and I'll explain."
They went into the waiting-room and were gone possibly five minutes. When they came out on the platform once more, Nugent seemed to have developed a vast amount of confidence in Legree.
"Why didn't you tell Motor Matt what you've told me?" asked the cattleman.