Part 45 (1/2)

It was bitterly cold, and having nothing but a light overcoat on, the young auctioneer was chilled to the bone He was compelled to caper about and clap his hands continually to keep fro frozen The sno fine and hard, beat into his face mercilessly, and to protect himself from this he pulled his hat far down over his eyes, and tied his handkerchief over his mouth and nose

But the hardshi+ps of the stor A quarter of a e farmhouse, situated some little distance back from the road In the rear was a barn and a cow-shed

Running ahead, Matt knocked upon the door of the house It was opened by an elderly far, 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 accoht 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 andfor 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 froon 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 ar 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 long,” said Andy ”If I had a light wagon and a pair of strong horses I would go after the to eat”

”Don't you ot Sa Perhaps after you've had dinner it will be too late”

”Well, if you get them ill 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

Theplenty 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 fare as her husband

Every five minutes Matt would walk to theto see if the far

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 oods had been brought in good condition They were taken around to the barn and there transferred to their original places on the auction wagon

Mr Pearsall was curious to know so of their business, and when they were onceauctioneers told their story, to which both the farmer and his wife listened with deep interest

As it continued to snow, Matt and Andy decided to ree, and all hands retired early