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280 who was smoking, and who held a paper in his hand.

"Good-afternoon," said the young auctioneer. "Can we get shelter here for ourselves and our horse? We are willing to pay for the accommodation."

"What's the matter? Caught on the road?" returned the farmer pleasantly.

"Yes, sir," and Matt briefly narrated the particulars.

"Drive right around to the barn," were the farmer's welcome words. "I'll open up for you and make your horse comfortable enough."

And reaching for his hat and coat, he put them on and came outside.

Andy was not slow to drive Billy into shelter. The barn was a large one, and far from filled, and the wagon went in without difficulty.

As soon as the horse had been cared for, the young auctioneers followed the farmer back to the house. The family had just finished their dinner, but set to work at once to prepare food for the half-frozen and exhausted travelers.

While Matt and Andy were warming up they told the farmer about the cases which had been left on the road.

"I suppose they ought not to be left there too