"What did he play that bloomin' trick on me fer? Murg wasn't at Jessup's—he an' the gal had been gone from thar fer two hours."
Here was Matt's chance to laugh, but he was not in a mood to take advantage of it.
"Do you remember counting your gold this morning, Siwash?" asked Matt.
A startled exclamation broke from the ruffian.
"Did ye see that?" he returned. "I thought ye was asleep."
"I wasn't the only one who saw it. Pecos Jones was looking through the window. Pecos not only saw you counting the money, but he also saw where you put it."
A bellow of fury broke from Siwash.
"Why didn't ye tell me he was at the winder?" he fumed.
"Why should I?" returned Matt. "You fellows had led me to believe that Pecos Jones' name was Hackberry, and that he was a friend of mine. I had an idea that he was coming here to rescue me, and that's the reason I kept quiet."
Matt could hear Siwash tramping about and easing his wrath as this shot went home.