Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/210

194 crossed and would think that he had kept along on the eastern bank."

On and on they went, over the rocky roads, now through a sharp cut between the mountains, and then again around a curve overlooking some tiny stream far below.

"A beautiful place," said Matt, as his eyes rested on a particularly beautiful bit of picturesque scenery. "How can people stick in the stuffy city when there is so much like this going to waste, so to speak?"

"That's a conundrum," returned Andy. "But I have heard it said that many city-born folks would rather die between brick walls than live amid green fields."

"Just look at those rocks and trees, and listen to those birds sing!"

"It is truly grand, that's a fact," returned Andy. "Do you know, if I was wealthy, I believe I would like nothing better than to spend all of my summer in among the mountains."

"And that would just suit me," returned Matt enthusiastically, and then he suddenly sobered down. "But we are not rich, Andy, and unless we get back our turn-out we'll be as poor as ever."

"Oh, we'll have to catch that thief," put in the freight agent. "He can't be many miles ahead."

"The trouble is it's growing dark, and we can