I never
allow any one to be saucy to me. Now them pistols, and no more
nonsense."

Instead of replying, Matt tried to push the man out from behind the
counter. The young auctioneer thought that if he could get him out
near the door he would then be able to summon assistance and have the
tipsy individual taken away.

Evidently the man suspected his intention. He declined to be pushed
back, and seeing what he considered a good chance, he hurled himself
at Matt once more, and this time both rolled to the floor.

In going down, the young auctioneer struck his head upon the sharp
corner of a box. He was partly stunned, and for several seconds could
not make a movement in his own favor. The piece of the fishing-rod
flew out of his hand, and this his opponent picked up.

"I'll teach you to talk to a gentleman like myself!" growled the tipsy
man, and he aimed a blow at the young auctioneer's head with the
weapon he had secured.

The blow failed to reach its mark, but undismayed by his failure to
injure Matt, the man gathered himself together and prepared for a
second attack.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

A SURPRISING DISCOVERY.

It looked as if the young auctioneer was in for a serious time of it.
As has been said, the would-be purchaser of a pistol was just drunk
enough to be ugly and unreasonable. He had refused to leave the
auction store, and now he was bent upon doing mischief to the boy who
had failed to treat him as he fancied he ought to be served.

"Now, how do you like that, you young rascal?" growled the man, as he
brought the end of the fishing-rod down for a second time.

"I don't like it at all," returned Matt, as he recovered sufficiently
to dodge out of the way, although the stick came uncomfortably close
to his ears. "Let me up at once."

"Not much, boy, not much! I'm going to teach you a lesson to be civil
to customers!"

"You are getting yourself into serious trouble."

"Ho! ho! I reckon I am able to take care of myself."

Once again the man sought to strike Matt, and this time he succeeded.
The blow landed upon the young auctioneer's shoulder, and caused him
to cry out with pain.

At that instant the door opened, and Andy entered the store, carrying
on his arm the new overcoat he had just purchased.

"What's the matter, Matt?" he cried, in quick alarm.

"Help me, Andy! This drunken man is trying to knock me out with that
stick!"

The senior partner of the firm needed no second call for a