Truth was a great
and marvelous thing, but the last person who had need of it was surely
an auctioneer engaged in the sale of sham articles of every description!
It was putting the man in an unfair position. A vague sense of loyalty
towards his late chief prompted Burton's next action. If help were
possible, Mr. Waddington should have it.
"Thank you," he said, "I will step into the sales-room myself. I know
the way."
Burton pushed open the doors and entered the room. To his surprise, the
place was packed. There was the usual crowd of buyers and many strange
faces; the usual stacks of furniture of the usual quality, and other
lots less familiar. Mr. Waddington stood in his accustomed place but
not in his accustomed attitude. The change in him was obvious but in a
sense pathetic. He was quietly dressed, and his manner denoted a new
nervousness, not to say embarrassment. Drops of perspiration stood upon
his forehead. The strident note had gone from his voice. He spoke
clearly enough, but more softly, and without the familiar roll.
"Gentlemen--ladies and gentlemen," he was saying as Burton entered, "the
next item on the catalogue is number 17, described as an oak chest, said
to have come from Winchester Cathedral and to be a genuine antique.
Pages:
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90