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138 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?"