The red ran into Matt’s face.
“Softly, softly,” breathed the colonel. “This talk of thieves, Levitt, is a little premature. Matt King is a friend of McGlory’s, and he could not be that if there was any yellow streak in his nature. No, by gad! We are all gentlemen here. King, sir, if that manila envelope contains papers belonging to our mutual friend, Levitt, you will return them to him, will you not?”
“After a while,” said Matt; “not immediately.”
The colonel seemed thunderstruck.
“You hear?” muttered Levitt, between his teeth. “He’s trying to play double with us, Billings! Those papers mean a whole lot to me, and I’m going to have them!”
The colonel’s mood underwent a change. Attempts at conciliation having failed, there now remained nothing but vigorous action. His first move was to pass rapidly to the door, turn a key in the lock, and drop the key into his pocket. Then he once more approached Matt.
“May I inquire, young man,” he bristled, “what you mean by this most remarkable conduct?”
“I’m trying to protect Joe and myself,” Matt answered.
“Protect? Protect yourself and Joe against what, in Heaven’s name?”
“Against being drawn into a criminal act by you and Levitt, and being compelled to take the consequences.”