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looked as if the young auctioneer was in for a serious time of it. As has been said, the would-be purchaser of a pistol was just drunk enough to be ugly and unreasonable. He had refused to leave the auction store, and now he was bent upon doing mischief to the boy who had failed to treat him as he fancied he ought to be served.

"Now, how do you like that, you young rascal?" growled the man, as he brought the end of the fishing-rod down for a second time.

"I don't like it at all," returned Matt, as he recovered sufficiently to dodge out of the way, although the stick came uncomfortably close to his ears. "Let me up at once."

"Not much, boy, not much! I'm going to teach you a lesson to be civil to customers!"

"You are getting yourself into serious trouble."

"Ho! ho! I reckon I am able to take care of myself."