Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/328

Rh will require a slow-down and give this last pool to low field—without suggesting any of the major occurrences which will make the purchaser of this excellent chance the winner of thousands of shillings.

"Remember, also, that with the winning of this pool goes the privilege of the last trial against Mr. Manling!" the voice of the amateur auctioneer of the last auction-pool floated out, mingled with laughter.

"Come, gentlemen, this is the last of the voyage! Do I now hear six hundred shillings for low field, or one hundred and fifty dollars? One hundred and fifty, did you say, sir? Dollars? Thank you. Do I now hear six hundred and fifty shillings? Do I hear six hundred and fifty? No? Going—once!" the bang of the hammer became audible. "Going—twice! Three times! The low field sold to Mr. Mardock for six hundred shillings.

"And now, gentlemen, as there will be no pool sold to-morrow, since we will be off New York the morning after, I sell positively the 300