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128 "If I am it's because I have such a good partner for a teacher, Andy."

"Oh, nonsense," returned the young man, but nevertheless considerably pleased to learn that Matt appreciated his efforts. "You are as bright as any one on the road."

When they went down to the dining-room of the hotel at which they were stopping it certainly did look like rain. Yet there was a brisk breeze blowing, and several expressed themselves as certain that it would pass around to the north of them.

Less than half an hour later Andy was on his way to the depot to catch a train, and Matt hurried to the stable where Billy and the wagon were. "I'll get to High Bridge just as soon as I can," he said to himself. "I have no desire to be caught in a thunder-storm on a strange country road."

"You may get a bit wet, but that's all," remarked the stable-keeper, as he saw the boy glance at the heavy clouds scurrying across the sky. "That there storm, if it comes, which is doubtful, won't last half an hour."

With this reassurance, if such it could be called, Matt saw to it that all was in good condition, and sprang upon the seat. He had made careful inquiries concerning the road, so that he might not go astray—a thing easy to do in most parts of the