Matt bravely. "I am going to do my
best. If I get nervous I'll get over it just as quickly as I can."

Some time before sundown they entered Plainfield; half an hour later
they found a suitable stopping place, and then Andy went off to secure
some stand where they might do business.

He came back in an hour and stated that he had secured an empty store,
which would be much better than selling from the wagon.

"The store will only cost us a dollar a day as long as we use it, and
we ought to be able to make that much more out of it," he said.

They went to work that night transferring the stock from the wagon to
the store shelves, and when this was finished both set to work to wash
and dress the show window.

On the following morning at ten o'clock, they hung out a red flag, and
then the Eureka Auction Co. was ready for business.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE YOUNG AUCTIONEER.

"I feel like a cat in a strange garret!" exclaimed Matt, as he walked
up and down behind the counter on a raised platform he and Andy had
placed there. "This is like going into cold water an inch at a time. I
would rather plunge in head first."

"Then here goes," cried Andy, catching up an accordion that stood
close at hand. "Let us see what we can do toward drawing a crowd in.
There must be something going on, for the streets are filling up with
people."

"There is a cheap circus to exhibit. I saw the posters. Perhaps they
intend to give a parade."

"Most likely. Get your banjo, Matt, and let us give them our best
selection."

Matt did as requested; and as the music rang out those on the pavement
began to pause, and half a dozen stopped at the open door and peered
in.

"Come right in! Come right in!" shouted Andy. "The auction is now
about to begin, and you don't want to miss the chance of your lives!"

"Plenty of room for everybody!" shouted Matt directly after him. His
voice was a trifle unsteady through excitement. "Don't wait outside,
but secure a good place, where you can hear and see all that is going
on. You need not buy if you do not wish. One more tune, ladies and
gentlemen, and then we will show you the best bargains ever exhibited
in this city. That's right, come right in!"

Thus urged, the folks began to drift in, singly and in pairs, until,
when the next tune was finished, the store held perhaps twenty-five
men, women and boys. Several children had tried to enter, but Andy had
shook his head at them, and thus kept the