Peering through the gate, he could hardly believe his eyes.

He climbed over it and inspected the animals at close range, and found that those which he and his friend had ridden for the last two months were not to be seen, but in their places were two better animals, which concerned him greatly.

Being fair and square himself, he could not understand the change and sought enlightenment of his more imaginative and suspicious friend.
"Hey, Hopalong!" he called, "come out here an' see what th' blazes has happened!" Mr.Cassidy stuck his auburn head out of the wounded shutter and complacently surveyed his companion.

Then he saw the horses and looked hard.
"Quit yore foolin', yu old cuss," he remarked pleasantly, as he groped around behind him with his feet, searching for his boots.

"Anybody would think yu was a little boy with yore fool jokes.