'Not anywhere in the world,' says she.

'Then it's courtesy in the Solomons,' says I.
"And d'ye know, on my faith I think Burnett'd have done it, only she pipes up, sweet and pert as you please: 'Mr.Auctioneer, will you kindly proceed with the sale in the customary manner?
I've other business to attend to, and I can't afford to wait all night on men who don't know their own minds.' And then she smiles at Burnett, as well--you know, one of those fetching smiles, and damme if Burnett doesn't begin singing out: 'Goin', goin', goin'-- last bid--goin', goin' for fifty-five sovereigns--goin', goin', gone--to you, Miss--er--what name, please ?' "'Joan Lackland,' says she, with a smile to me; and that's how she bought the _Martha_." Sheldon experienced a sudden thrill.

The _Martha_!--a finer schooner than the _Malakula_, and, for that matter, the finest in the Solomons.
She was just the thing for recruits, and she was right on the spot.

Then he realized that for such a craft to sell at auction for fifty-five pounds meant that there was small chance for saving her.
"But how did it happen ?" he asked.

"Weren't they rather quick in selling the _Martha_ ?" "Had to.