only thing I've seen that I really want for her. I am not worth a cent
to bid. Will you do it for me?"

Tom nodded again, and Jack continued, "Well, start pretty high. Keep
your eyes on me, and when I look at you raise the bid if there is any
against you. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Tom answered, understanding more than Jack thought he did.

He guessed whose apron it was and did not believe much in the sister,
but he had his instructions and waited for the signal. Howard had
watched the sale of the spotted gown with a great deal of amusement, but
was beginning to feel tired with standing so long, and was wondering
when Jack proposed taking Eloise home. That he would go with them was a
matter of course, and he was about to speak to Jack when Tim came in and
the apron sale began. He had no idea whose it was until he saw the halt
in Mr. Bills's manner, and looked at Eloise. Then he knew, and knew,
too, that nothing could get Jack away till the apron was disposed of.
That Jack would buy it he did not for a moment dream, for what could he
do with it? "But yes, he is going to buy it," he thought, as he heard
Jack's instructions to Tom, "and I mean to have some fun with him, and
run that apron up."

Close to him was Tim, and the sight of him put an idea into Howard's
mind. It would be jolly for Tom and Tim to bid against each other, while
he and Jack backed them.

"Tim," he said, laying his hand on the boy's arm, "I am going to buy
that apron for Mrs. Amy, and I want you to bid for me against Tom Walker
and everybody. I have no idea what it is worth, but when I squeeze your
arm _so_, bid higher!"

He gave Tim's arm a clutch so tight that the boy started away from him,
saying, "Great Peter, don't pinch like that! You hurt! 'cause I'm in my
shirt sleeves."

"All right. I'll be more careful," Howard said. "Now begin, before Tom
has time to open the ball."

"Yes, but-er, what-er shall I bid?" Tim stammered.

"How do I know? It's Miss Smith's, and on that account valuable. Go in
with a dollar."

All this time Mr. Bills had been talking himself hoarse over the merits
of the apron, while his audience were watching Howard and Jack, with a
feeling of certainty that they were intending to bid, but they were not
prepared for Tim's one dollar, which startled every one and none more so
than his mother, who, having rolled up her spotted gown "in a _wopse_,"
as she said, and put it with her dish pan and towels, had come back in