breathing gear. At a glance, the buggy looked safe enough.

"I'm anxious to sell for cash," replied the stranger; and Anderson was
floored. The boy who snickered this time had cause to regret it, for Mr.
Crow arrested him half an hour later for carrying a bean-shooter. "I
paid a hundred dollars for the outfit in Boggs City," went on the
stranger nervously. "Some one make an offer--and quick! I'm in a rush!"

"I'll give five dollars!" said one of the onlookers with an apologetic
laugh. This was the match that started fire in the thrifty noddles of
Tinkletown's best citizens. Before they knew it they were bidding
against each other with the true "horse-swapping" instinct, and the
offers had reached $21.25 when the stranger unceremoniously closed the
sale by crying out, "Sold!" There is no telling how high the bids might
have gone if he could have waited half an hour or so. Uncle Gideon Luce
afterward said that he could have had twenty-four dollars "just as well
as not." They were bidding up a quarter at a time, and no one seemed
willing to drop out. The successful bidder was Anderson Crow.

"You can pay me as we drive along. Jump in!" cried the stranger, looking
at his watch with considerable agitation. "All I ask is that you drive
me to the foot-log that crosses the creek."

CHAPTER II

The Pursuit Begins

Fifteen minutes later Anderson Crow was parading proudly about the town.
He had taken the stranger to the creek and had seen him scurry across
the log to the opposite side, supplied with directions that would lead
him to the nearest route through the swamps and timberland to Crow's
Cliff. The stranger had Anderson's money in his pocket; but Anderson had
a very respectable sort of driving outfit to show for it. His wife kept
dinner for him until two o'clock, and then sent the youngest Crow out to
tell her father that he'd have to go hungry until supper-time.

It is no wonder that Anderson failed to reach home in time for the
midday meal. He started home properly enough, but what progress could he
make when everybody in town stopped him to inquire about the remarkable
deal and to have a look at the purchase. Without a single dissenting
voice, Tinkletown said Anderson had very much the "best of the bargain."
George Ray meant all right when he said, "A fool for luck," but he was
obliged to explain thoroughly the witticism before the proud Mr. Crow
could consider himself appeased.

It was not until he pulle