ws on the road," returned Andy. "The
moment they see some one who appears to be prospering, they try their
best to get in with him. I dare say that Dr. Paul Barberry is about
broke, and would consider it a windfall of fortune to be taken in by
the owners and managers of the Eureka Auction Co."

"I wonder if we'll meet him again," mused Matt, as he looked back just
in time to see the shabby figure disappear around a corner.

"Oh, he may turn up again; such fellows very often do," replied Andy.

But neither he nor Matt dreamed of the peculiar circumstances under
which they would again come in contact with Paul Barberry.

The day was warm and bright, and Billy, the horse, appeared in
excellent spirits by the way he trotted along over the macadamized
road from Newark to Elizabeth.

It was not their intention to stop at the latter place, but just as
they reached the outskirts of the city Billy began to limp, and they
saw that one of his shoes had become loose.

"We'll have to take him around to a blacksmith shop," said Andy, and
they accordingly drove on until such a place was reached.

Here they found they would have to wait until dinner-time before the
shoe could be refitted. Rather than go to the trouble and expense of
getting a license, however, they decided to spend the time in walking
around.

"This is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey," remarked Andy, as
they walked around the depots and down Broad Street, the main
thoroughfare. "Down along the water front is one of the largest sewing
machine factories in the world. I was through it once and I can tell
you it was a sight well worth seeing."

Just before twelve o'clock they stopped in a restaurant not far from
the blacksmith shop, and had dinner. By the time this was over Billy's
shoe had been readjusted, and once more they were off.

It was easy driving along the smooth country road, and after passing
through Cranford, Westfield and several smaller places, they struck
out for Plainfield, which Andy declared was to be their first regular
stopping place.

"It is a fair-sized city," he said. "And if we can strike the right
stand we ought to do well there for several days or a week."

"I hope we do well," returned Matt. "We need a good start, for as yet
our ready funds are rather low."

"You will have your first chance to do a bit of regular auctioneering,"
smiled Andy. "I trust you are not nervous over the prospects."

"Never mind if I am," returned