The matter was talked over, and finally they decided to leave the two cases, which had not been opened, and were well packed, under a big tree near the roadside. The cases were removed to the spot without delay, placed upon a couple of dead trees and covered with brush.
Then they moved on again, Andy leading the horse, and Matt going on ahead to inspect the road, and thus avoid getting into another hollow.
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 from being frozen. The snow, now 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 hardships of the storm were not to be endured for long. A quarter of a mile further on they came to a large 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 farmer, 280 who was smoking, 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 accommodation.”
“What’s the matter? Caught 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 and make your horse comfortable enough.”
And reaching for his hat and coat, he put them on and came outside.