Lurvey looked suspicious and disgruntled, but after a pause, said in a low voice, "Nineteen seventy-five." Haines then raised the bid to $2,000, and the auctioneer repeated that offer several times.

We thought Haines would get it; but Lurvey finally cried, "Two thousand twenty-five!" and the auctioneer began calling, "Going--going--going for two thousand twenty-five!" when Addison shouted, "Two thousand fifty!" Lurvey cast an angry look at him.

Haines turned away; and Cole, after waiting for further bids, cried, "Going--going--gone at two thousand fifty to that young man by the gate--if he has got the money to pay for it!" "You've done it now, Ad!" I exclaimed, in distress.

"How are you going to get out of this ?" I was frightened for him; I did not know what the consequences of his prank would be.

To my surprise and relief, Addison went to Hilburn and handed him $100.
"I'll pay a hundred down," he said, "to bind my bid, and the balance to-morrow." The two selectmen and Hilburn smiled, but accepted it.