"No. I'm not now. I was."
"So, you left them."
"Left them," repeated Carden with an oath. "I was kicked out."
"Indeed, my friend, I sympathize with you. May I ask in what capacity you were employed?"
"I was a canvas man."
"Really, I don't want to meddle with what is none of my business, but on what pretext were you discharged?"
Carden hardly liked to admit that he was suspected of theft, but his wrongs were recent and he took a bitter satisfaction in dwelling upon them. So he overcame his reluctance by degrees.
"It was all on account of that young rascal Robert Rudd," he said.
"Robert Rudd!" repeated the stranger, his face indicating strong interest. "Who is he?"
"A bareback rider—a mere boy, whom I could twist round my finger."