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14 The assistant auctioneer came forward upon this. His face wore a troubled look, as if he did not relish the duty he was called upon to perform.

"I'm afraid there is some mistake here, Mr. Gulligan," he said in a low tone, meant only for the auctioneer's ears.

"Some mistake!" howled Caleb Gulligan, for such was the auctioneer's name. "I don't make mistakes."

"I saw the man run out as soon as the statuary was broken, and by his manner I am sure he must be the guilty party."

"See here, Andrew Dilks, who is running this establishment?" stormed Caleb Gulligan wrathfully. "I lay the accident at the door of the young woman, and, as the man is gone, she will pay the bill—or take the consequences."

The assistant auctioneer flushed up at these words. It was plain to see that he was an honest young man, and did not like such underhand work.

"Perhaps she hasn't the money to pay?"

"Then she must take the consequences," replied the auctioneer sourly.

"Not much!" put in Matt, who had overheard the best part of the conversation between Caleb Gulligan and his assistant, "Miss Bartlett, if I was