hing better, I'll keep right on to High
Bridge," was his thought, and he was just about to urge Billy on once
more, when the door of the shanty opened and a man came out.

The man was apparently fifty years of age, and rough in looks. His
beard was long, as was also his hair, and both seemed to be much in
need of shears and brush. His clothing and his face were dirty, and
altogether he presented a decidedly ill-favored appearance.

"Hullo, there, stranger!" he called out. "Where bound?"

"Bound for High Bridge," replied Matt as he drew rein. "How many miles
is it?"

"Not many," was the rather indefinite reply. "Suppose you got cotched
in that storm, eh?"

"Yes, I got the full benefit of it."

"It was a heavy one, no mistake about that. What sort of a turn-out
have you got there?"

"An auction goods wagon."

"Carrying stuff around the country to sell at auction?"

"Yes."

"I see. Say, maybe you've got something you would like to sell me,"
and the man, after speaking to some one in the shanty, stepped up
closer to the turn-out.

"Perhaps I have, but it's pretty well packed up," returned Matt, who
was not at all taken by the man's manner. "We'll be open at High
Bridge this evening, or to-morrow, if nothing happens."

"We? Got somebody else with you?"

"Not on the wagon, but I have a partner."

"I see. What line of goods do you carry?"

Matt named over a number of articles. The man's eyes brightened as he
listened.

"Let me have a pair of suspenders," he said. "I need them worst way.
And if you've got a good pocket-knife I'll patronize you so much more.
Drive up in the back of the house and tie fast anywhere."

"Excuse me, but I would prefer getting to High Bridge. I am wet to the
skin, and I want to change my clothes."

"That's all right, young fellow. We've got a fire inside, and you can
dry yourself there just as well as not."

"But my horse----"

"I'll take care of the horse. I've got a shed a bit back of those
bushes. Come on in; what are you afraid of?"

Thus urged, Matt sprang from the wagon seat to the ground. As he did
so he noted a look of satisfaction gleam upon the man's dirty face,
and he saw the fellow wave his hand toward the shanty's one window. He
turned swiftly in the direction, and was in time to see two equally
repulsive heads dodge aside out of sight.

Only for a second did the young auctioneer hesitate. Then something
warned him to beware of danger, and he turned again to