Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/297

Rh long," said Andy. "If I had a light wagon and a pair of strong horses I would go after them as soon as I've had something to eat."

"Don't you mind; I'll go after 'em for you," said the farmer. "I've got Sam and Bess, and they can pull through most anything. Perhaps after you've had dinner it will be too late."

"Well, if you get them we will pay you whatever it is worth," returned Matt's partner.

The farmer set about the trip without delay, and just as Andy and Matt were called to the dining-table he drove out of the yard.

The meal was a good one, there being plenty to eat and all of it well served. To the two half-famished ones it seemed to be about the best meal they had ever tasted.

After it was over they sat down by the fire and began to chat with the farmer's wife, a motherly creature of the same age as her husband. Every five minutes Matt would walk to the window to see if the farmer was yet returning.

It was nearly an hour before Mr. Pearsall, for such was the farmer's name, drove up to the door. Matt and Andy ran out to meet him, and were relieved to learn that the cases of goods had been brought in good condition. They were taken