“Fifteen hundred!” continued Ben.
The broker was cautious in all his bids, and raised this last amount only ten dollars.
“Three thousand dollars!” exclaimed Hogan.
“Three thousand and ten!” exclaimed the broker.
“Four thousand!” cried Ben.
At this point the auctioneer had to dwell some time. The broker began to get a little nervous, but George was on hand to spur him on.
“Why, man alive,” said the latter, “don’t be a bit afraid; this New Yorker will give ten thousand dollars rather than not get it. I heard him say so, myself. Raise him again!”
“Four thousand and ten!” said the broker at last.
“Five thousand dollars!” came promptly from Ben’s side of the house.
The man who had given the mortgage began to fear lest Hogan would overdo the thing.