“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 assistance. Without hesitation he flung the overcoat on a packing case, and rushing up to Matt’s assailant, caught him by the collar and dragged him from behind the counter.