"
There was a chorus of guffaws. Mr. Waddington mopped his forehead with
a handkerchief.
"It is absolutely true, gentlemen," he pleaded. "I have always posed as
a judge but I know very little about it. As a matter of fact I have had
scarcely any experience in real antique furniture. We must get on,
gentlemen. What shall we say for lot number 17? Will any one start the
bidding at one sovereign?"
"Two!" Mr. Absolom offered. "More than it'th worth, perhaps, but I'll
rithk it."
"It is certainly more than it's worth," Mr. Waddington admitted,
dolefully. "However, if you have the money to throw away--two pounds,
then."
Mr. Waddington raised his hammer to knock the chest down, but was met
with a storm from all quarters of the room.
"Two-ten!"
"Three!"
"Three-ten!"
"Four!"
"Four-ten!"
"Five!"
"Six pounds!"
"Seven!"
"Seven-ten!"
"Ten pounds!"
Mr. Absolom, who so far had held his own, hesitated at the last bid. A
gray-haired old gentleman looked around him fiercely. The gentleman was
seemingly opulent and Mr. Absolom withdrew with a sigh. Mr.
Waddington eyed the prospective buyer sorrowfully.
"You are quite sure that you mean it, sir?" he asked. "The chest is not
worth the money, you know.
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