Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/241

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THE YOUNG AUCTIONEER.
225

last, after fully five minutes had passed, the banjo was in order for use, and the young auctioneer struck off a few chords.

"Now give us dat jig if yo' kin play it," said the colored man impatiently. He was the same who had tried to steal the box of chains.

"I won't play a jig until you and your companion pay for the glass you broke," returned Matt shortly, and he laid down the instrument abruptly, and folded his arms.

"Wot?" roared the colored men in concert.

"You heard what I said."

"See here; do yo' want us to smash de hull place?" demanded the ringleader of the disturbers.

"I don't think you'll smash anything more," replied Matt.

"I won't, hey? We'll see!"

The colored man made a movement as if to strike the young auctioneer in the face. But before the blow could land he was hauled back by a strong arm. He and his companions looked around and found themselves confronted by two policemen whom Andy had fortunately met upon the corner below.

The two colored men who had kept somewhat in the background at once sneaked through the crowd