“What for?” Her hand unclasped. “I’ve got to buy the horse, I must wait here.”
“But they’ll be taken in there.” He pointed to the cattle auction-chamber. “And there’s no need for you to bid personally.”
“I shall enjoy bidding.”
“Among all those men? You won’t even get a look in.”
The chamber was indeed besieged by a seething crowd, some standing on tiptoe, astrain to get their bids marked.
“I’ll borrow one of those pig-dealers’ stools,” she said.
“Do be serious, Jinny.”
“And do you suppose my work is a joke?”
“But you can’t squeeze in that crowd? Suppose we find out the owner and get one of the black horses by private treaty?”
“And pay the market fee? Not me! Besides, he’ll want a top price and there’s more fun and chances in bidding. Oh look! that poor Cleveland’s got himself all tangled up! Do help him!”