himself.

"Back so soon? Is the auction over!" asked his friend, Frank Dunbar,
who was engaged in splitting wood in the rear of the house.

"No, Frank, not quite; but it's almost over..Who do you think bid on
father's gold watch?"

"I don't know."

"Nick Holden."

"He didn't get it, did he?"

"I am glad to say not. Your father bought it."

"Did he! Why, he's got one watch already."

"I am glad he's got it. I couldn't bear to think of Nick Holden
carrying my father's watch. He was disappointed about one thing
besides."

"What was that?"

"The violin. He went to Squire Pope, and complained that it was not
in the sale."

"That's just like his impudence. What did the squire say?"

"He came to me and ordered me to get it, so that it might be sold."