"The rest are not so much; from the other houses, but they're good pieces. The water pitcher was traded by Cap Kiefer, catcher of the nine, you know. But there's one article," said Doc, pointing melodramatically, "that's worth the whole lot. Only I'll have to put you under oath—both of you."
The Tennessee Shad, puzzled, looked hard at Macnooder and raised his right hand. Stover, blushing, followed suit.
"That," said Macnooder, "came direct from Foundation House. That belonged to his Nibs himself!"
"Come off!" said the Tennessee Shad, not daring to look at Macnooder. "That's a bunco game."
"I didn't say it was swiped," said Macnooder indignantly. "Just give me a chance, will you? It was smashed up at the fire scare and thrown away with a lot of other things. Tough McCarty, down at the Green, I think, has got the slop jar."
"Excuses!" said the Tennessee Shad. "I did think for a moment you were trying to impose on my young confidence. Gee! Just think, of it! Cracky, what a prize! The Doctor himself—well—well! Say, I'd like to make a bid myself."
"It goes with the set," said Macnooder. "It ain't mine; I'm only getting the commission."
Stover, having caressed each article, drew a long breath and said falteringly:
"I suppose it comes pretty high!"
"Of course it's worth more than the other set."