Part 14 (2/2)
”That is true, and we'll have to brush up quite a bit if ish to play in public,” laughed Matt
He accoon was stored, and they brought not only the accordion and the banjo, but also a violin and a mouth harmonica
These instruned to thean to practice upon such simple tunes as both knew by heart Matt first tried the banjo, and after he had it in tune with the accordion, the partners played half a dozen selections quite creditably
”We wouldn't do for grand opera soloists, but I guess it will be good enough to attract crowds in sround out a lively Gerested Matt, and Andy took up the king of instru before Andy turned back to the accordion, which, according to his statement, half-played itself Matt tried the mouth harmonica, and surprised not only Andy, but half a dozen listeners, by the wonderful effects he produced upon the little instrument
”Good for you!” shouted Andy, as Matt finished a particularly clever selection ”If the auction business fails, you can go on the variety stage”
”No, thank you,” returned Matt ”I understand enough about it to know that it is little better than a dog's life I just as lief stick to what I' New York house”
”Well, I don't know but what that shows your level-headedness,”
returned Andy
The two slept soundly that night Matt was up at five o'clock the next , and he at once aroused his partner They had an early breakfast, and then walked around to the stable where the wagon was housed
While they were hitching up Billy ain
”Are you the two young fellers what's running this here auction wagon?” he began, addressing Matt
”We are,” returned the boy ”What do you want?”
”Pretty good business, ain't it?” went on the stranger, without answering the question which had been put
”Sometimes it is”
”I reckon there's a heap of er
”Well, we are not yet h
”I know a feller what made a pile of money in the auction business,”
remarked the man as he ejected a quantity of tobacco juice froh--could talk a table into walking off--and keep it up all day and half the night”
To this statement Matt and Andy made no reply Neither liked the looks of the newcoo away
”Say, you don't want to take a fellow in, do you?” asked the ht pause, as he came close beside Matt, as nearest to him
”No, we haven't any work for an outsider,” returned the boy
”I', let oods than any one has any idea of Besides that, I've got a new corn salve I put upSalve, I call it--my name is Paul Barberry, you know--Dr Barberry, o with you and put up ainst your outfit, and we'll share and share alike”