"I suppose so, but I know Carl too well to make any mistake about him. What gave you the idea he was crooked?"
"I never had the idea," protested Burton. "I just asked for information, that's all. He came to the show on your recommendation, and I've taken him in, but I like to have a line on the people I get about me."
"There's more to it than that," said Matt, studying Burton's face keenly. "Out with it, Burton."
"Well, then, I don't like the Dutchman's looks," acknowledged Burton. "Ping told me——"
"Oh, that's it!" muttered Matt. "Ping told you—what?"
"Why, that he caught the Dutchman going through his pockets last night. If that's the kind of fellow Carl is, I——"
"Take my word for it, Burton," interrupted Matt earnestly, "my Dutch pard is on the level. He makes a blunder, now and then, but he's one of the best fellows that ever lived."
"What did Ping talk to me like that for?"
"He and Carl don't hitch. There's a little petty rivalry between them, and they're a bit grouchy."
"Is Ping so grouchy that he's trying to make people believe Carl's a thief?"