A splendid mare, the property of John Bolland, was put up for auction. The auctioneer read her pedigree, and proved its authenticity by reference to the Stud Book.
“Is she in foal?” asked Pickering, and a laugh went around. Bolland scowled blackly. If a look could have slain the younger man he would assuredly have fallen dead.
The bidding commenced at £40 and rose rapidly to £60.
Then Pickering lost his temper. The agent for Germany was too pertinacious.
“Seventy,” he shouted, though the bids hitherto had mounted by single sovereigns.
“Seventy-one,” said the agent.
“Eighty!” roared Pickering.
“Eighty-one!” nodded the agent.
“The reserve is off,” interposed the auctioneer, and again the surrounding farmers guffawed, as the mare had already gone to twenty pounds beyond her value.