“I ask for a postponement of this sale for a week from to-day.”
“I have no objection,” said the Sheriff, “as of course I shall earn another fee.”
There was a laugh at this, then the Sheriff continued—
“But I cannot postpone the sale without the consent of Mr. Stranleigh. What do you say, Mr. Stranleigh?”
“A postponement would be very inconvenient to me, much as I should like to oblige Mr. Ricketts. I therefore refuse my consent.”
“If the Sheriff is willing,” roared Ricketts, “we will postpone without your consent, even if we have to turn you out by force.”
“I shouldn’t try that if I were you, Mr. Ricketts. There are six friends of mine sitting beside me, who are dead shots, and I don’t think this crowd would stand in the way if the first gun were levelled at you. I ask that the sale go peacefully on, Mr. Sheriff.”
“There must be a postponement! The Sheriff has control over this meeting!”
“I am counting on that,” said Stranleigh, “and I am sure that the Sheriff will adhere strictly to the law. How much money have you collected, Mr. Ricketts?”