“That’s none of your business.”
“Perhaps not; and so to make everything easy and agreeable to all concerned, I bid seventeen thousand dollars for the property.”
“Show your money,” demanded Ricketts.
“You wouldn’t show yours, so why should I show mine?”
“Knock it down to him, Sheriff. I don’t believe he has the cash.”
“Seventeen thousand I am offered. Going at seventeen thousand once; going at seventeen thousand twice; going at seventeen thousand third and last time. Going! Gone!”
Down came the mallet.
“I shall be obliged if you will hand over to me seventeen thousand dollars, Mr. Stranleigh.”
“Certainly. With your permission, gentlemen!” and the crowd parted good-naturedly. Stranleigh counted out the money on the Sheriff’s table.