"Yes," said Jimmy; "you could go up at least five hundred dollars further."
"Ten advance," said Forster to the auctioneer, and then turned to Jordan. "I suppose you're not set on getting her?"
Jordan smiled, and Forster made a little whimsical gesture. "I understand. Doing much the same thing myself. Miss Wheelock and my wife are outside. I've been hanging round in the vestibule until it seemed convenient for me to take a hand in."
Jimmy said nothing, but when he looked around a few moments later he was somewhat astonished to see that Jordan's place was empty. His comrade was, in fact, hastening down the street to where Forster's light wagon stood outside a big dry-goods store. He went in and came upon Eleanor Wheelock, standing very straight and slim in her long white dress. She turned and looked at him with a curious little smile.
"Have you come to tell me that Forster is taking unnecessary trouble in this affair?" she said.
Jordan was not readily disconcerted, but he showed a momentary trace of embarrassment.
"No," he replied, "I haven't. I'm open to admit that I'm not quite as smart as I thought I was. My man didn't turn up. In fact, he sold me to Merril."
Eleanor still looked at him, and his tone became deprecatory. "You're not pleased?"
"No," said the girl, with a faint flush in her cheeks. "I like my friends to be successful."
Jordan winced perceptibly. "I won't fail next time."