The proceedings now began.
The sale was opened in the front gallery in which a very fine collection of flowers in ornamental pots and tubs, were tastefully arranged in groups of a dozen, on the steps which led up to the verandah. These were the first lots to be disposed of.
“Twelve pots of flowers!” began the auctioneer, “who will make a bid for them?”
“One guilder!” cried someone in the crowd.
“One guilder bid, one guilder!” cried the auctioneer in the usual drawl.
“One and a half!”
“One and a half,” repeated the auctioneer.
“Two guilders! Three guilders! Four guilders! Five guilders!” came the bids in quick succession.
“Five guilders! Five guilders bid!” cried the auctioneer, “Who bids higher? Five guilders are bid,” drawled the auctioneer, as he turned his head and stared hard at the last bidder but one.
“Eight guilders!” cried the latter.