"Yes, but not in the manner you think," answered Somers.
"But do you see your way out of the difficulty?"
"Certainly, but it all depends on you."
"Well, explain. I am ready to do anything."
"I thought so. Now, listen. There is a sale on in the yard, and the auctioneer has not turned up. When I saw the dilemma the farmers were in, I said my friend would be glad to officiate—meaning you. Dodd would make a regular mess of it, and my squeaky voice would never be heard."
"You cannot be serious, Somers," I exclaimed.
"Never more serious in my life."
"But I have never acted as an auctioneer."
"That don't matter."
"But are you aware, my friend, that a licence is necessary, and that the penalty for not having one is very heavy?"