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96 "Then you had better start alone—and at once," returned Andy shortly.

"I will—if you fellers won't take me in as a working partner. I made the suggestion only because I thought it would be more pleasant to travel in a company of three."

"We are satisfied to go it without outside assistance," cried Matt, as he hopped on the seat. "All ready, Andy?"

"Yes, go on," returned his partner, climbing up beside him.

"Then you won't make a deal with me?" questioned Paul Barberry more sourly than ever.

"No," replied Matt and Andy in a breath, and while one gathered up the lines the other spoke to the horse, and the turnout began to leave the stable.

"All right," shouted Paul Barberry. "You may be sorry for it. You young fellows think you know it all, but you may get tripped up badly before long," and picking up an ancient and decidedly rusty traveling-bag which he possessed, the corn salve doctor trudged away up the street.

"What a forward man!" exclaimed Matt, as they moved off. "Why, he actually wanted to force himself on us!"

"There are a good many such fellows on the