"Then I won't take this pony," young Ripley declared, flushing hotly. "It's a downright swindle. Here, my man, hand my money back and take your old soap box."
"Not to-day," declared the auctioneer briefly. He and his clerk were now preparing to depart.
"You'd better!" warned Fred.
"I won't."
"Then I'll have you arrested."
"Try it."
"Run and get a policeman," Fred ordered, turning to a crowd of small boys.
"All right," smiled the auctioneer. "If you'll be quick about it I'll wait for your policeman."
But Mr. Dodge, who had shaken his head toward three boys who had shown signs of being willing to run for a policeman, now led young Ripley to one side.
"No use making any fuss about it, I'm afraid, Fred. You saw the pony when it was offered for sale, didn't you?"