CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE RIVAL AUCTIONEERS. 

It may well be imagined that Matt read Ida Bartlett's letter with great interest. The young auctioneer had never received a communication as surprising as was this one. 

He went over every word carefully several times, then placed the letter in his pocket, and started off to find Andy. 

Half an hour later he came across his partner on the main street. Andy had just rented a store, one of two vacant ones which were side by side, and was now on his way to drive the wagon around and unload the stock. 

"Well, did you get a letter, Matt?" 

"I did." 

"Good enough. Any special news?" 

"Yes, indeed. Just read that." 

And the young auctioneer passed the communication over for his partner's perusal. 

Andy read the letter as carefully as had Matt. He emitted a long, low whistle. 

"What do you think of it?" 

"I hardly know what to think, Matt. Do you know anything about this mining share business?" 

"I know that Randolph Fenton sold my father some shares, that is all. I never saw the certificates, if that is what they are called." 

"Did you ever see the papers in connection with the shares?" 

"No." 

"Then they must have been in your father's possession when he disappeared." 

"I don't know about that. Mother might have had them when father was first sent to the asylum for treatment. Although I remember hearing her once say that since father's mind had become affected he would not trust any one with his affairs, but kept all his money and papers hidden away." 
Who sold some shares?
"I know that Randolph Fenton sold my father some shares, that is all