Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/230

214 He had not expected this sudden turn of affairs, and he knew not what to say or do.

"March him up to the wagon and light the other lantern," said Andy. "I see the fire is going out."

"I'll soon fix that," returned Ramson, and he threw on some dry twigs, causing the fire to blaze up merrily. "They were making themselves quite at home."

"What are you going to do with me?" asked Barberry sullenly, as he found himself surrounded, with no hope of escape.

"Before we answer that question we wish to ask a few on our account," returned Andy. "Now tell us who your companions were."

"A couple of tramps I picked up in Phillipsburg."

"Tramps?"

"That is what I call them. They were bound for Easton to sell prize packages of toilet soap."

"Fakirs, like yourself," put in Matt. "How did you come to pick them up? Were you afraid to steal the outfit alone?"

"I didn't say I stole the outfit."

"No, but you did, nevertheless. Now, how did you happen to fall in with those fakirs?"

"Will you let me go if I tell you?"

"Certainly not," cried the boy. "We intend to