About a week before the present
time he had received a brief letter from his roustabout friend, Baker,
dated from a town about fifty miles away, telling him that he had been
working on a steady job, but had some business in Pleasantville in a few
days, and asked Bart to write him as to the whereabouts of Colonel
Harrington.
Bart had replied to this letter, wondering what mystery could possibly
connect this homeless vagabond and the great ruling magnate of
Pleasantville.
"Now then, my friends," said Bart briskly, as he saw to it that
everything was in order for the sale, "the motto for the hour is quick
action and cash on delivery!"
About two o'clock there were several arrivals. Half an hour later the
place was pretty well filled. There were several village storekeepers,
some traveling men from the hotel, and railroad men off duty.
Nearly a dozen country rigs drove up to the platform, and the rural
population was well represented.
At three o'clock prompt, as advertised, Bart ascended the little
platform and took up the gavel.
Just then he nodded at a newcomer who entered the doorway and quietly
took a seat.
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