time both of the young auctioneers were kept busy from eight o'clock in the morning until eleven at night.
On the third day it began to grow warmer, and by noon it was raining steadily.
"Well, never mind, the rain will wash the snow away, and if it only stays clear afterward we will have a chance to get on to Carbondale," was Andy's cheerful comment.
Seeing that Matt could get along very well alone, he left the store in the afternoon to buy a heavy overcoat at some clothing establishment. If he procured what he wished, Matt was to buy one also.
Left to himself, the young auctioneer did what he could to attract trade, but without success. He waited on the few customers who had drifted in, but when they were gone found himself alone.
Rather than have the time hang heavily upon his hands he began to clean up the stock. Cutlery and spoons need constant care to keep them looking bright, and Matt was, therefore, never at a loss for employment.
While he was hard at work shining up some silver-plated ware which was slightly tarnished through handling, the door of the store was flung open violently, and a large, heavily-built man stag-
