, and
swelled into open complaint. In the midst of which, the fiery-visaged
Corn-chandler, purple now, between heat, and vexation, loudly demanded
that he lay down some substantial deposit upon what he had already
purchased, failing which, he should, there and then, be took, and shook,
and throwed out into the yard.

"Neck, and crop!" added Mr. Parsons.

"That seems to be a fair proposition," smiled the Auctioneer, who had
already experienced some doubts as to Adam's financial capabilities, yet
with his joviality all unruffled,--"that seems to be a very fair
proposal indeed. If the gentleman will put down some substantial
deposit now--"

"Aye, for sure!" nodded Adam, stepping forward; and, unbuttoning a
capacious pocket he drew out a handful of bank-notes, "shall I gi'e ye a
hundred pound,--or will fifty be enough?"

"Why," said the Auctioneer, rubbing his hands as he eyed the fistful of
bank-notes, "ten pound will be all that is necessary, sir,--just to
ensure good faith, you understand."

Hereupon, Bellew beckoning to Adam, handed him a like amount which was
duly deposited with the Auctioneer.

So, once more, the bidding began,--once more lots were put up,--and
knocked down--now to Adam, and now to Bellew. The bed with the carved
head-board had fallen to Adam after a lively contest between him, and
Parsons, and the Corn-chandler, which had left the latter in a state of
perspiring profanity, from which he was by no means recovered, when the
Auctioneer once more rapped for silence.

"And now, gentlemen, last, but by no means least, we come to the gem of
the sale,--a side-board, gentlemen,--a magnificent, mahogany
side-board, being a superb example of the carver's art! Here is a
side-board, gentlemen, which,--if it can be equalled,--cannot be
excelled--no, gentlemen, not if you were to search all the baronial
halls, and lordly mansions in this land of mansions, and baronials. It
is a truly magnificent piece, in perfect condition,--and to be sold at
your own price. I say no more. Gentlemen,--how much for this
magnificent, mahogany piece?"

"Ten pound!"

"Eleven!"

"Fifteen!"

"Seventeen!" said Adam, who was rapidly drawing near the end of his
resources.

"Eighteen!" This from Job Jagway.

"Go easy there, Job!" hissed Adam, edging a little nearer to him, "go
easy, now,--Nineteen!"

"Come, come Gentlemen!" remonstrated the Auctioneer, "this isn't a
coal-scuttle, nor a broom, nor yet a pair of tongs,--th