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Rh 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 the wagon and placed one foot upon the shaft step.