Digital heart book

Douglas Longhurst. This sale has been
already disgracefully interrupted to allow that person
to hold a consultation with his minions; it has been
much commented on."
"There was no complaint at the time," said the
auctioneer, manifestly discountenanced. "You should
have complained at the time."
"I am not here to conduct this sale," replied Bellairs;
"I am not paid for that."
"Well, I am, you see," retorted the auctioneer, his
impudence quite restored; and he resumed his sing-song.
"Any advance on fifty thousand dollars? No advance on
fifty thousand? No advance, gentlemen? Going at fifty
thousand, the wreck of the brig FLYING SCUD--going-
-going--gone!"
"My God, Jim, can we pay the money?" I cried, as the
stroke of the hammer seemed to recall me from a dream.
"It's got to be raised," said he, white as a sheet.
"It'll be a hell of a strain, Loudon. The credit's
good for it, I think; but I shall have to get around.
Write me a cheque for your stuff. Meet me at the
Occidental in an hour."
I wrote my cheque at a desk, and I declare I could
never have recognised my signature.


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