Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/20

12

the intimation that she must pay eight dollars, the face of the young lady stenographer grew pale, while that of Matt Lincoln flushed up.

"I—I cannot pay the money!" gasped Ida Bartlett. "I have no such amount with me."

"It's a swindle!" burst in Matt Lincoln indignantly. "Don't you pay a cent, Miss Bartlett. It was not your fault, and he cannot force you to pay."

"Shut right up!" snarled the auctioneer, turning to Matt fiercely. "Unless you want to get yourself into trouble."

"I won't shut up and see this young lady ill-treated!" retorted Matt, flushing still more. "You may think you can ride over me. but you can't do it. I'll—"

"Hush, Matt!" pleaded the stenographer, catching him by the arm. "Do not say anything rash."

"But, Miss Bartlett, this chap wants to force you into paying for something you didn't do! I wouldn't stand it! I'd fight him first!"