Farrington, noticing this, could not
control his pleasure, and when he at length offered the round sum of three
thousand dollars Turpin gave up the struggle and, moving back a little,
perched himself upon a barrel, and seemed to take no interest in the
affair.
A triumphant light gleamed in Farrington's eyes as he observed his
vanquished opponent. He glanced towards the house, and, seeing Mrs.
Frenelle standing in the doorway, his lips parted in a cruel smile. It was
that smile more than anything else which revealed the real nature of the
man.
The breathless silence which for a time ensued at this crisis was broken
by the harsh cry of the auctioneer:
"Three thousand dollars!" he called. "Going at three thousand dollars! Any
advance on three thousand dollars. Going at three thousand dollars. Once--
twice--third--and--"
"Three thousand one hundred," came suddenly from Parson John.
An earthquake shock could hardly have startled the men more than this bid
from such an unexpected quarter.
Farrington's face reddened, and he moved a step nearer to be sure that he
had not been mistaken.
"Did I hear aright?" he gasped.
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