|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 59
The crowd was dispersing, Darry was counting up the heap of bank notes
and coin in the cash box, Bob was gloating and wild with delight as
uncovering his purchase he brought to light a new bicycle.
The package Bart tendered was thin and flat. Two tough pieces of
cardboard held it stiff and straight. It seemed to contain papers of
some kind, and so many bidders had bought old deeds, contracts, plans,
manuscripts and the like, utterly valueless to them, that the lot hung
at twenty-five cents for several minutes.
"Come, come, gentlemen!" urged Bart--"the last may be the best. The
charges are sixty-five cents. Sender's name not given. Directed to 'A.A.
Adams, Pleasantville'--not found."
"Hoo! S--s--say!"
Bart experienced something of a shock.
The familiar cry of the ex-roustabout, Mr. Baker, rang out sharp and
sudden.
Glancing at him, Bart saw that he had arisen to his feet.
His face was bloodless and twitching, his whole frame a-quake. His eyes
were snapping wildly. He was like a man who could hardly speak or stand,
and fairly on the verge of a fit.
A wavering finger he pointed at the young auctioneer, and gasped out.
"One dollar--two--three!"
CHAPTER XXIV
MR. BAKER'S BID
The attitude, actions and announcement of the mysterious Mr. Baker
filled Bart Stirling with profound surprise and wonderment.
The young express agent well knew the erratic temperment of his singular
friend, but Baker had been so placid and natural up to the present
moment, and this excitable outburst was so vivid and unaccountable, that
Bart felt sure that there was some important reason for the same.
All eyes were now fixed on Baker. He seemed to put a dramatic climax to
a varied entertainment, and appeared unconscious of everything except
the package Bart held in his hand. His eyes were fixed upon this
steadfastly--they seemed to burn right into it.
Lem Wacker had also arisen to his feet. Bart noticed him intently
studying Baker, sidling up to him and sinking to the bench directly next
to him.
There was a suspiciousness in the action that enhanced Bart's interest
and curiosity, but he preserved his composure.
"Three dollars, did you say?" he inquired, in an insinuating and
soothing, but strictly business tone.
"Yes!" gasped out Baker.
"I am bid--"
"Four."
Bart looked fixedly at Lem Wacker, for it was he who had spoken. Darry
Haven dropped the cover of the cash box, and also stared at Wacker.
There was something suggestive in the sensation of the moment.
Lem Wacker's face was as bold as brass. He was dressed pretty well and
looked prosperous, and there was a mean sneer on his lips as he
shamelessly returned the glance of the boy he had wronged, defiantly
relying, apparently, on some reserved power he fancied he possessed.
Baker did not even look at the rival bidder. His very soul seemed
centered on the package in Bart's hand.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|