The San Francisco call., 1906-04-01

taking any part in the questionable
proceedings. Varied thoughts and sub
dued expressions; outward smiles and
excited speculations. Mr. Lowe was re-
quested to record the bids in due FORM
and all was soon in readiness.
Il am sure, gentlemen he said, that
you will appreciate a certain embar-
rassment I am bound TO feel. and not
compel me to repeat any portion OF my
previous remarks. | shall simply ask
how much am I offered?"
Five dollars!" simultaneously de-
ciared an effeminate voice, which was
discovered to emanate from BERTHE
Holly.
Five dollarsl'' repeated the fair auc-
tioneer. with incredulous emphasis
looking down upon the reckless bidder.
Il fear l have over-estimated the mar
ket value of my wares"
Ten doilarsi" Indignantly cried Jack
Winston, gallantly coming to the res
Thank you. Jack. that is very much
betterl' she told him, very gratefully.
But that young man had evidently gone
abroad for trouble.
See here, Jack Winston. there are
others who can furnish very salts
please-and don't you dare bid again!
received from a certain young woman
standing at his side.
"Oh, me. I'm suffering with pleas
ure, he sighed. when l don't want
to buy. I'm held up. When 1 want to
give UP. I'm held down. 1 don't like
your party, Cathy." he told her, con-
vulsing the auctioneer. as well as those
Immediately in front, and temporarily
interrupting proceedings.
Fifteen dollars was hid Mr. CldQ6l-
Ter offered twenty, and the movement
was quickly established. Several or
the older men soon withdrew, leaving
the contention to the younger men,
some of whom seemed not inclined to
stand calmly by and see coveted
boon carried off with a struggle.
"Eignty-eighty-f1ve ninety ninety
fivei' called the gay auctloneer the
bids following one after the other in
quick succession amid increasing eX-
citement. "One hundredw she sudden
ly cried, with exultant emphasis, and
Sold. to Mr. George f. Chadeller-one
kiss-one hundred dollarsi You have
it, Mr. Lowe-very WE'LL A tumult of
good natured protest followed this sud
den termination of the bidding which,
however, quickly turned to laughter
and applause, and hearty congratula-
tions for the fortunate purchaser.
The major was in paroxysms of levity
and his round red face gradually as
sumed a deeper hue until II became
positively purple. She's fixed you.
Chadeller-shes fixed you after air.
he managed to yociferate, between
spasms. I'd have sworn it, tell you,
you can't beat that girl
I'm perfectly satisfied with my bar
gain" replied that gentleman, very
complacently, which seemed turn of
the affair on which the major had not
reckoned.
May be-may be! But l wouldn't
give you ten cents for your bargain
and take your chances-and I'm not SO
devlishly decrepit at that" he doggedly
declared.
Mr.. Chadeller. do you insist upon the
delivery of your purchase according TO
stipulation, or will you waive claim in
the name of charity?" the auctioneer
would know, when quiet had been re-
stored
Very we'll" she laughed, the gentle
man seeming not inclined to surrender
any of his rights In the premises. the
transaction is strictly on a casn basis.
Kindly settle with Mr. Lowe, and your
purchase shall be duly delivered =
"Settledr announced Mr.. Lowe, with
imperturbable business formality.
Mr.. Chadeller seemed not entirely at
his ease as he made his way to the
stage, but having gone so far no re-
treat seemed open to him, even if he
had so desired, which, in truth, was not
apparent The very atmosphere seemed
charged with feverish expectancy, and
grew more tense each instant. Strange
ly enough she whom it might naturally
be supposed would be the one most con-
cerned was to all appearances the calm
est person in the room, and awaited the
coming of the gentleman with entire
composure. But who may be sure OF
the ways of a woman when she has
will to accomplish her way? Surely not
Mr.. Chadeller, or he might have been
even more i'll at ease, and little less
confident of the power of his gold to win
him that which he had failed to win for
himself Even lie would have done well
to remember that there's many slip
'twixt the cup and the lip.
II really think it very uncharitable of
you. Mr.. Chadeller," she said, rather re-
proachfully, 1t seemed, as the gentleman
advanced to the center of the stage. "but
If you positively insist, I cannot, of
course, interpose further objections. and
parting the heavy draperies which served
at the stage curtains, disclosed to the as
tonished gentleman the shining and ex
pansive countenance of old Lindy, who
appeared to be in tolerable enjoyment of
a situation in which she was specially
featured.
you know the particular subject was
not specified, Mr.. Chadeller,' she told
him, very ingeniousy, but the poor man
had seen enough His vanity had re-
ceived rude shock. and he beat hasty
retreat to the uproarious amusement of
the company. while the major suddenly
discovered that his hilarity was -four
ishing at the expense of his breath. and
if he would preserve the one. he must
modify the other to an appreciable de-
gree.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Woman's Diplomacy.
Some time later, Edith. peering about