Part 29 (1/2)
”Can't we go after the thief?” suggested the agent, considerably worried, for he well knew that if the stolen cases were not recovered the loss would coon?”
”Yes, and I can get it in five minutes”
”What direction did the thief take, do you suppose?”
The freight agent thought for a moment
”It is my opinion that he either went over to Easton or else up the river”
”It is not likely that he went across the bridge,” said Matt ”If it was this Paul Barberry he would be afraid to take that direction, fearing to meet me and my partner on our way here”
”Yes, that's so,” put in Andy
”Then he went up the river There is quite a good road for a nuet your horse and wagon,” said Matt impatiently
”It will not do to waste time here”
”But what of the police?” questioned Andy
”We can notify them e coht; hurry up that wagon, then”
The freight agent at once disappeared around the corner of the building He was gone nearly fivea fine black horse, attached to a light road wagon
”Brought you Flip, ht to be able to overtake any bit of horseflesh in these parts”
”Well, ant a fast horse,” replied Matt, as he sprang into the wagon without delay He was quickly followed by Andy and the freight agent, and off they went at a spanking gait down the smooth road
It was a fine day, cool and clear, and under any other circumstances both Matt and Andy would have enjoyed the drive But just now they were filled with fears Supposing they were unable to recover their turn-out and goods what then?
The partners looked at each other, and that look
Theyas failure was not to be countenanced
At length Phillipsburg was left far behind, and they entered a so section Presently they ca close to the road There was an old country a pipe leisurely, and Matt directed the freight agent to draw rein
”Good afternoon,” said the young auctioneer politely ”I wish to ask you for a bit of information”
”Well, son, what is it?” returned the old country at all three curiously
”Did an auction wagon pass this way a short while ago?”
”An auction wagon?”