Some are examining cards of an auction, and discussing the prices which they have marked in the margin in pencil.

The good-humoured uproar is beyond description, and is increased by more farmers forcing their way in from the rear, where are their horses or traps--by farmers eagerly inquiring for dealers or friends, and by messengers from the shops loaded with parcels to place in the customer's vehicle.
At last you get beyond the bar-room door and reach the end of the passage, where is a wide staircase, and at the foot a tall eight-day clock.

A maid-servant comes tripping down, and in answer to inquiry replies that that is the way up, and the room is ready, but she adds with a smile that there is no one there yet.

It is three-quarters of an hour after the time fixed for the reading of a most important paper before a meeting specially convened, before the assembled Parliament of Hodge's masters, and you thought you would be too late.

A glance at the staircase proves the truth of the maid's story.