And he gave a shiver that was as genuine as it was uncomfortable.
The road now led downward and around a bend, where was situated another heavy bit of timber. As Matt approached the wood he saw some distance back from the road a shanty built of rough logs and boards, and thatched with weather-beaten shingles and bits of old tin and oil-cloth. There was a rude chimney upon the outside of the rear of this shanty, and from this a thin cloud of smoke was issuing.
"Humph! here is somebody's home, but a very poor one," thought Matt. "I shouldn't wonder but those inside got a pretty good soaking, by the looks of things."
At first the young auctioneer determined to stop, but upon second thought, he concluded to go on, satisfied that no accommodations worthy of the name could be had there.
"If I can't strike something better, I'll keep right on to High Bridge," was his thought, and he was just about to urge Billy on once more, when the door of the shanty opened and a man came out.
The man was apparently fifty years of age, and rough in looks. His beard was long, as was also his hair, and both seemed to be much in need of shears and brush. His clothing and his face were
