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Rh "I can't help that. He ought not to have pitched into me the way he did."

"I agree with you."

At these words, so quietly but firmly spoken, Matt's eyes opened in wonder. Was it possible that the old auctioneer's assistant took his part?

"You agree with me?" he repeated.

"Yes, I agree with you. Gulligan was altogether too hasty—he most generally is," returned Andrew Dilks.

"I'll bet you don't dare tell him that," and Matt grinned mischievously.

"I have just told him."

"What?"

"Yes. I believe that unknown man was entirely to blame. It was a shame the way Gulligan carried on. As soon as you ran out he turned upon me for not stopping you, and we had some pretty hot words."

"Good for you!" cried Matt. "I must thank you, not only for myself, but for Miss Bartlett as well."

"Those hot words have cost me my situation," went on Andrew Dilks more soberly.

Instantly Matt's face fell.

"That's too bad, indeed, it is!" he said earnestly. "Why, I would rather have gone home and