Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/127

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THE YOUNG AUCTIONEER.
113

"Mr. Menville, the proprietor of the show."

"Then you leave him here until Mr. Menville comes for him," was the quick reply. "Mr. Officer, please see to it that the bear is not taken away. I think he might very easily be chained to that hitching-post by the curb."

"Sure, an' Oi dunno about this!" exclaimed the policeman, an old Irishman. "Ye had better let him take the baste away."

"No, he'll stay here until damages are settled," said Andy. "They do not own the bear, and if they attempt to take him away arrest them both."

Andy did not know if he was acting according to law or not, and, for that matter, neither did the policeman. But the auctioneer's firm stand had the desired effect, for the two keepers presently weakened, and asked what it would cost to replace the window and the goods spoiled.

A glazier was called in, and while he was figuring Matt and Andy went over the stock. At the end of ten minutes it was found that sixteen dollars would cover all loss. With much grumbling the circus men paid the amount, and they were then permitted to lead the brown bear away.

"Quite a bit of excitement, I must say," was Matt's comment after it was all over. "I don't want to go through any such scare again."