Part 28 (2/2)

CHAPTER XXIV

ALONG THE RIVER

Matt could do nothing but stare at the freight agent A on and taken the cases of goods with him It seemed too bold-faced to be true

”Our man?” he stammered ”We have no ent, as he stopped short in his work of checking off packages

”We certainly did not,” returned the young auctioneer ”Andy!” he called out, as he stepped back toward the open door, and a moment later Andy Dilks hurried into the depot

”He says a oods, and drove off with Billy,” cried Matt breathlessly ”You did not send any one here, did you?”

”Certainly not,” returned Andy proo,” replied the freight agent, and he was now all attention ”Do you mean to say the felloas a thief?”

”He was!” cried Matt

”I don't see how he could be anything else,” added Andy ”Did he pretend to have an order for the cases?”

”Yes, he had a written order”

”And the bill of lading?”

”N--no, he didn't have that,” was the slow reply ”But I thought it was all right He looked like an honest chap You had better notify the police at once”

”We will,” said Matt ”What sort of a looking felloas he?”

As best he could the freight agent gave a description of the oods and the turn-out Matt and Andy both listened attentively

”By the boots, I'll bet it was that Paul Barberry!” alent had ceased talking ”This is his way of getting even with us for not taking hiht,” returned Andy ”Did you say anything to hi here?”

”I did” And Matt briefly narrated the conversation he had had with the corn doctor

Then the agent was questioned further, and it was not long before all three were convinced that the pretended doctor was the guilty party

”If I had known he wasn't square I would not have let hient meekly

”I do not doubt that,” returned Andy ”But the loss of the horse and wagon is more than we can stand as it is We will have to hold the railroad responsible for the three cases”