Pinkey stood behind her, ready to poke her in the ribs if she wished her to keep on bidding.
"Now, gentlemen," said the auctioneer, "lot one hundred and seventy-five.

Duchesse wardrobe, dressing-table with bevelled mirrors, and marble-top washstand, specially imported from England by Mrs Harper.

What am I offered ?" "Specially imported from England ?" cried a dealer.

"Yes, came out in the first fleet." "What's that ?" cried the auctioneer.

"Thank you for telling me, Mr Isaacs." And he began again: "What offer for this solid ash bedroom suite, imported in the first fleet, guaranteed by Mr Isaacs, who was in leg-irons and saw it." There was a roar of laughter at the dealer's discomfiture.
"Now, Mr Isaacs, how much are you going to bid, for old times' sake ?" cried the auctioneer, pushing his advantage.