ed, he would expose Mr. Fenton. I could not understand the
whole drift of the matter, but Mr. Fenton seemed to be glad that
your father was missing--he said he was most likely dead--and that
the papers had disappeared with him.

"Do you know anything of the papers? Mr. Gaston has gone to
Boston, but I could write to him if you think that Mr. Fenton is a
swindler and that you can get back any money which he may have
defrauded your father out of. I myself am going to leave Mr.
Fenton's employ on the first of next month, having secured a
better place with another firm of brokers. Let me hear from you
again as soon as possible. I hope if he has any money belonging to
your father you can get it."

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THE RIVAL AUCTIONEERS.

It may well be imagined that Matt read Ida Bartlett's letter
with great interest. The young auctioneer had never received a
communication as surprising as was this one.

He went over every word carefully several times, then placed the
letter in his pocket, and started off to find Andy.

Half an hour later he came across his partner on the main street. Andy
had just rented a store, one of two vacant ones which were side by
side, and was now on his way to drive the wagon around and unload the
stock.

"Well, did you get a letter, Matt?"

"I did."

"Good enough. Any special news?"

"Yes, indeed. Just read that."

And the young auctioneer passed the communication over for his
partner's perusal.

Andy read the letter as carefully as had Matt. He emitted a long, low
whistle.

"What do you think of it?"

"I hardly know what to think, Matt. Do you know anything about this
mining share business?"

"I know that Randolph Fenton sold my father some shares, that is all.
I never saw the certificates, if that is what they are called."

"Did you ever see the papers in connection with the shares?"

"No."

"Then they must have been in your father's possession when he
disappeared."

"I don't know about that. Mother might have had them when father was
first sent to the asylum for treatment. Although I remember hearing
her once say that since father's mind had become affected he would not
trust any one with his affairs, but kept all his money and papers
hidden away."

"It's too bad you haven't the papers."

"That's so. If I had them I would hunt up Mr. Gaston, and get him to
expose Randolph Fenton."

"It might pay you to do that anyway."

"I don't k