Tom received many friendly greetings. He was plainly dressed, quiet in his manner, and seemed to take matters very coolly.
At length the farm was put up, the auctioneer naturally turning towards the squire, who responded pompously, "I bid twenty-two hundred dollars, the amount of the mortgage I hold upon the property."
"Is there any other bid?" asked the auctioneer.
"I bid twenty-five hundred dollars," said a clear, boyish voice.
All were startled, and all eyes were turned upon Tom Nelson, who came slightly forward.
"Twenty-five hundred!" repeated the auctioneer, hesitating whether he should receive the bid.
"I protest against this outrage," exclaimed Squire Hudson, angrily. "The bid is ridiculous."
"Why is my bid ridiculous, Squire Hudson?" asked Tom, calmly.
"Because you haven't got the money. It is a transparent attempt to run up the price of the farm."
"You know nothing of my circumstances, Squire Hudson," said Tom, independently. "I stand ready to pay the sum I bid, and, should you outbid me, I am ready to prove to any committee you may appoint, that I possess the money, or all my bids shall go for nothing, and you can have the farm at your first offer."