Practical man! Dam'
hypocrite! Yah! you make me sick!"

Mr. Floyd also reddened perceptibly. "Oh, well, I've been in hard luck
myself," he said.

"So've I," his friend admitted. "I know what the gaff feels like.
Well--stir up those horses. We've got a long way to go."

CHAPTER XXXI

THE AUCTION

The sale was to take place at noon in the sheriff's office. After
breakfast Angus went down to the corrals. Faith followed him.

"I'd like to go with you to the sale."

"Why?" he asked.

"I'd just like to be with you."

He stared at her for a moment. In his life this solicitude, almost
maternal, was a new thing.

"Why, old girl, I believe you think I can't stand the gaff. But if you
like, we'll take our medicine together."

Toward noon they entered the sheriff's office. Braden was already there
with his lawyer, Parks, talking with the sheriff. Presently entered the
two strangers with whom Angus had talked the day before. The stout man
smiled and nodded, with a quick appraising glance at Faith. Then came
Judge Riley, and with him, to Angus' surprise, was Chetwood.

"'Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain
mortgage bearing date--and made between--'"

The sheriff's voice droned on. Angus paid scanty attention. Now that he
was there "to stand the gaff" his feelings were almost impersonal.

"What am I offered for this property?" the sheriff having stated the
conditions of sale was getting down to business.

"Ten thousand dollars." This from Mr. Braden. The amount was slightly
more than his mortgage claim.

"Ten thousand dollars I am offered. Ten thousand. Are there any other
offers? If not--" The sheriff paused, sweeping the room with his eye.
Braden, looking at Angus, permitted himself a grin. "If not, then--"

"Twelve thousand." It was the stout man, Mac. Having uttered the two
words he resumed a conversation with his friend.

"Twelve thousand?" the sheriff repeated. "Was that right sir? You bid
twelve thousand, Mr.--er--"

"McGinity," the stout man supplied.

"Twelve thousand I am offered. Any other offers?"

"Thirteen," said Mr. Braden.

"Fourteen," said McGinity on the heels of Braden's voice.

Faith whispered, "Who is he?"

"I don't know. He was out at the ranch yesterday. I think he'll run
Braden up."

Braden whispered to his lawyer, who shook his head.

"Fifteen thousand."

"Sixteen."

Mr. Braden frowned, hesitated and went over to Mr. McGinity.

"We se