Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/144

130 "I wish I could find some shelter," he muttered to himself. "I would willingly pay to be allowed to drive into some barn until this was over. I hope none of the stock gets wet."

Matt tried to peer about him, but he could not see far, owing to the sheets of rain which fell all around.

"We'll have to stick to the road until something comes in sight, Billy," he said, addressing the shivering horse. "Get up old boy, and step lively."

Thus addressed, the animal started on once more. But the rain prevented him going as fast as before. The ground was very heavy, and the road in spots was covered with water which had not time to run off, so heavy was the downpour.

Presently they came to where the road ran through a heavy bit of timber. Here it was almost as dark as night, and the branches of the trees, laden with water, hung down so low that many swept the wagon as the turn-out went by.

"Ugh! I wish we were out of this!" muttered Matt, as he tried in vain to pierce the gloom ahead. "You must find the road, Billy, for I can't see it"

A terrific crash of thunder drowned out the last words. Billy sprang forward in alarm, and away