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 176 rights and demand the return of his money, he placed the packages in his coat-tail pocket, and walked off."

"Well, that's what I call a rather high-handed proceeding," thought Matt. "No wonder some folks consider street merchants and traveling auctioneers little better than thieves, when some of them act in that fashion. I don't think he'll prosper, though, in the end."

He was about to continue on his way, when Paul Barberry caught sight of him and came forward.

"Hullo, my young friend!" he called out pleasantly. "What brings you to Easton—the big parade?"

Matt did not like this manner of being addressed. He considered the corn salve doctor altogether too familiar, so he replied rather coldly:

"Not particularly. We merely struck Easton in the course of our travels."

"Oh, then you and your companion are still on the road with your wagon?"

"Yes."

Paul Barberry seemed to grow interested at once.

"Good enough! And how is business?"

"Very good," returned Matt, and not without pardonable pride.