his manner denoted a new
nervousness, not to say embarrassment. Drops of perspiration stood upon
his forehead. The strident note had gone from his voice. He spoke
clearly enough, but more softly, and without the familiar roll.

"Gentlemen--ladies and gentlemen," he was saying as Burton entered, "the
next item on the catalogue is number 17, described as an oak chest, said
to have come from Winchester Cathedral and to be a genuine antique."

Mr. Waddington leaned forward from his rostrum. His tone became more
earnest.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he continued, "I am bound to sell as per
catalogue, and the chest in question is described exactly as it was sent
in to us, but I do not myself for a moment believe either that it came
from Winchester or that it is in any way antique. Examine it for
yourselves--pray examine it thoroughly before you bid. My impression is
that it is a common oak chest, treated by the modern huckster whose
business it is to make new things look like old. I have told you my
opinion, ladies and gentlemen. At what shall we start the bidding? It
is a useful article, anyhow, and might pass for an antique if any one
here really cares to deceive his friends. At any rate, there is no
doubt that it is--er--a chest, and that it will--er--hold things. How
much shall we say for it?"

There was a little flutter of conversation. People elbowed one another
furiously in their desire to examine the chest. A dark, corpulent man,
with curly black hair and an unmistakable nose, looked at the auctioneer
in a puzzled manner.

"Thay, Waddington, old man, what'th the game, eh? What have you got up
your sleeve that you don't want to thell the stuff? Blow me if I can
tumble to it!"

"There is no game at all," Mr. Waddington replied firmly. "I can
assure you, Mr. Absolom, and all of you, ladies and gentlemen, that I
have simply told you what I believe to be the absolute truth. It is my
business to sell whatever is sent to me here for that purpose, but it is
not my business or intention to deceive you in any way, if I can help
it."

Mr. Absolom re-examined the oak chest with a puzzled expression. Then
he strolled away and joined a little knot of brokers who were busy
discussing matters. The various remarks which passed from one to
another indicated sufficiently their perplexed condition of mind.

"The old man's dotty!"

"Not he! There's a game on somewhere!"

"He wants to buy in some of the truck!"

"Old Waddy know