Several of the more important farmers drew out of the crowd which surrounded Mr. Robinson. It was not worth while bidding for so small a quantity of hay. Other members of the crowd, feeling that a breathing space had been granted them, took packets of sandwiches from their pockets and sat down in one of the outhouses to refresh themselves. Mr. Robinson viewed the diminishing group of bidders with some disappointment. He was gratified to see that the new police officer from Curraghfin, a gentleman who had not so far made a single bid, crossed the yard and took a place on the steps leading to the loft. Colonel Eden, too, appeared interested in the new lot of hay. If the inspector of police and Colonel Eden began to bid against each other the hay might realize a good price.
“Now, gentlemen,” said Mr. Robinson, “shall we make a start with three pounds?”
He glanced at Colonel Eden, then at the police officer. Neither gentleman made any sign of wishing to bid. It was James McNiece who made the first offer.
“Two pounds,” he said.
There was a pause.
“Two pounds,” said Mr. Robinson, “two pounds. Going at two pounds. You’re not going to let this hay,—more than half a ton of it—go at two pounds.”
He looked appealingly at Colonel Eden and at the police officer. They were entirely unresponsive.
“And at two pounds, going——” said Mr. Robinson.
“Two-ten,” said Dan Gallaher, in a quiet voice.
“Two-fifteen,” said James McNiece.