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16 with a coolness that would have been exasperating to even a less sensitive man than the crusty auctioneer.

"I shall hold you responsible for it!"

"I don't care if you do," was Matt's dogged reply. "She's my friend, and I always stick up for my friends."

At this last remark there was a low murmur of approval from those gathered about. Evidently, the boy's unpolished but honest manner had won considerable admiration.

"Do you know that I can have you locked up?"

"What for?"

"For aiding her to escape."

"Didn't she have a right to hurry away if she wanted to go? It's almost one o'clock—I'll have to be off myself soon, if I want to keep my job."

There was a laugh at this, and half a dozen looked at their watches and left.

"If you please," put in the assistant nervously. "Had we not better go on with the sales? The crowd will be gone before long. We might make more than what was lost here."

"Certainly, go on with the sales," howled Caleb Gulligan. "I will take care of this young rascal, and find out what has become of that young woman."

"And that man," began the assistant.