the man as he ejected a quantity of tobacco juice from his
mouth. "He was a rip-snorter at it, though--could talk a table into
walking off--and keep it up all day and half the night."

To this statement Matt and Andy made no reply. Neither liked the
looks of the newcomer, and both wished he would go away.

"Say, you don't want to take a fellow in, do you?" asked the man,
after a slight pause, as he came close beside Matt, who was nearest to
him.

"No, we haven't any work for an outsider," returned the boy.

"I'm a rustler when I get a-going, let me tell you. I can tell stories
and sing and sell more goods than any one has any idea of. Besides
that, I've got a new corn salve I put up myself which goes like hot
cakes. Barberry's Lightning Salve, I call it--my name is Paul
Barberry, you know--Dr. Barberry, most of 'em call me. Say the word,
and I'll go with you and put up my salve against your outfit, and
we'll share and share alike."

"As I said before, we have no room for an outsider," returned Matt,
while Andy nodded approvingly. "The wagon seat only holds two, and
besides, our plans are all completed for our trip."

"Humph!" The man's face took on a sour look. "You are missing the
chance of your lives."

"We'll risk it," laughed Andy.

"I can sell more salve than you can sell other goods every day in the
week--and make more money, too."

"Then you had better start alone--and at once," returned Andy
shortly.

"I will--if you fellers won't take me in as a working partner. I made
the suggestion only because I thought it would be more pleasant to
travel in a company of three."

"We are satisfied to go it without outside assistance," cried Matt, as
he hopped on the seat. "All ready, Andy?"

"Yes, go on," returned his partner, climbing up beside him.

"Then you won't make a deal with me?" questioned Paul Barberry more
sourly than ever.

"No," replied Matt and Andy in a breath, and while one gathered up the
lines the other spoke to the horse, and the turn-out began to leave
the stable.

"All right," shouted Paul Barberry. "You may be sorry for it. You
young fellows think you know it all, but you may get tripped up badly
before long," and picking up an ancient and decidedly rusty
traveling-bag which he possessed, the corn salve doctor trudged away
up the street.

"What a forward man!" exclaimed Matt, as they moved off. "Why, he
actually wanted to force himself on us!"

"There are a good many such fello