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198 "What's it all about, anyway?" questioned the tavern-keeper curiously.

In a few brief words Andy explained matters, while not only the tavern-keeper, but also the others in the place, listened with deep interest.

"Any reward offered for catching the rascal?" questioned one of the men present, a brawny individual—evidently a mountaineer.

"Yes," returned Matt quickly. "How much shall we offer, Andy?" he asked in a whisper.

"Twenty-five dollars would not be too much," returned his partner. "It is quite a sum to us, I know, but I guess we would rather have our turn-out back a dozen times over."

"We will give twenty-five dollars in cash for the return of our horse, wagon and goods," said Matt, in a voice loud enough for all to hear.

"Twenty-five dollars in cash!" repeated several, and it was plain to see that this offer was regarded as quite liberal.

"What kind of a looking turn-out is it?" was next asked.

Matt described Billy and the wagon. All listened attentively, and when he had finished the mountaineer who had first spoken tapped him on the shoulder.

"I'll go out with ye and hunt him up, stranger."