Otherwise the place would be sold intact to the highest bidder.
The auctioneer then mounted the steps, read the Cranston warranty deed of the farm, as copied from the county records, describing the premises, lines, and corners.

"A fine piece of property, which can soon be put into good shape," he added.

"How much am I offered for it ?" After a pause, Zachary Lurvey, the owner of Lurvey's Lumber Mills, started the bidding by offering $1,000.
"One thousand dollars," repeated the auctioneer.

"I am offered one thousand dollars.

Of course that isn't what this farm is really worth.
Only one thousand! Who offers more ?" "Fifteen hundred," said a man named Haines, who had arrived from the southern part of the township while the deed was being read.
"Sixteen," said another: and presently another said, "Seventeen!" I noticed that Addison was edging up nearer the steps, but I was amazed to hear him call out, "Seventeen fifty!" "Ad!" I whispered.