THE AUCTION
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left. Three. Another chair from the Palace, walnut, in very good condition. And a half straight ahead of me. Going ! Going 1 Gone ! ’ Three chairs were sold separately, and then the auctioneer put up the last chair. Bender was almost choking with rage. Again he attacked Hippolyte. He was showering sarcastic remarks on him when he was suddenly interrupted by a man who said : ‘Tell me ’ ■—and he spoke rapidly to Bender—‘ tell me, is there an auction here ? ’ The man hurried into the auction-room and rapidly bought the last chair. He took his receipt and went up to the counter. ‘ TeU me, can I take the chair at once ? Oh, that’s splendid ! ’ The stranger hurried out of the auction-room, put the chair into a cab, and drove away. One of the urchins immediately ran after the cab. One by one the purchasers of the chairs dispersed, and were immediately followed by Bender’s young agents. Bender also left the auction-room, and Hippolyte timidly followed him. The day had seemed like a dream to him, for everything had happened so rapidly and so unexpectedly. As they approached the hostel they met Nicky, who bowed politely to Bender, and then went up to Hippolyte, who greeted him amiably. Nicky did not waste any time. ‘ Good evening,’ he said firmly, and gave him a box on the ear. ‘ That’s what happens to those who try to----- ’ Nicky did not finish his sentence, but hit out at Hippolyte again. Hippolyte raised his elbow to protect himself, and did not utter a sound. ‘ That’ll do for you,’ said Nicky, as he put his hands in his pockets and walked away towards the hostel with Bender. Hippolyte was left alone leaning against the railings
