ut to return by the route they had come was itself no easy task. In
his terror, Billy had dragged the heavy vehicle over several very
uneven places, full of stumps and rocks, and now the animal, still
somewhat exhausted, had all he could do to move back over the trail
which had been left.

Matt led the horse, and on more than one occasion had to place his
shoulder to the rear end of the wagon to help over a particularly bad
spot. Thus they moved on, taking half an hour to cover a distance
which had previously been traveled in less than half that time.

"Thank goodness, we are out of that at last!" exclaimed Matt, as the
road finally appeared in sight. "Now to see if any damage has been
done."

The young auctioneer made a minute examination of every bolt and
spring, as well as of the running gear and harness. He was overjoyed
to find everything still in good order, despite the rough usage to
which it had been put. The wagon body was scratched in a dozen places,
but this could be easily remedied.

The rubber blankets were put away, and the lap-robe left fluttering in
the rear to dry, and then Matt once more resumed his lonely journey in
the direction of High Bridge.

The heavy rain had left the road deep with mud, and through this Billy
plodded slowly along, Matt not having the heart to urge him to a
greater speed, knowing well that the faithful animal was doing as well
as could be reasonably expected of him.

"As soon as we reach High Bridge I must find a good stable for Billy,
and change my clothes," thought Matt. "And something hot to drink
won't go bad, either. Ugh! I am chilled clear to the bone!"

And he gave a shiver that was as genuine as it was uncomfortable.

The road now led downward and around a bend, where was situated
another heavy bit of timber. As Matt approached the wood he saw some
distance back from the road a shanty built of rough logs and boards,
and thatched with weather-beaten shingles and bits of old tin and
oil-cloth. There was a rude chimney upon the outside of the rear of
this shanty, and from this a thin cloud of smoke was issuing.

"Humph! here is somebody's home, but a very poor one," thought Matt.
"I shouldn't wonder but those inside got a pretty good soaking, by the
looks of things."

At first the young auctioneer determined to stop, but upon second
thought, he concluded to go on, satisfied that no accommodations
worthy of the name could be had there.

"If I can't strike somet