His gavel hovered over the table. "Six thousand," said Ricketts. "Ten thousand," offered Stranleigh, realising that his opponent was playing for time. "Ten thousand dollars!" echoed the sheriff, then, glancing at the lawyer; "It's against you, Mr. Ricketts." The lawyer hesitated. "Eleven thousand!" he said at last. "Fifteen thousand," bid Stranleigh, promptly. There were two anxious men in that hall. Stranleigh was wishing he had sent for a hundred thousand dollars. It was evident that Ricketts possessed good backing, but he had no means of knowing whether or not these men had the necessary money actually in hand. Ricketts was the second anxious man, and he was now gazing with apprehension at the door through which his companion had disappeared. He was called to attention by the strident voice of the sheriff. "Fifteen thousand dollars is the last bid. Going at fifteen thousand once; going at fifteen thousand twice----" "Wait a moment, Mr. Sheriff: there's no hurry." "The sale must go on, Mr. Ricketts." "Certainly," replied the lawyer, "but it's your duty to get as much as you can for the property. We all sympathise very much with our neighbour, Mr. Armstrong, and whatever is paid over and above his debt to me, goes to him." "I am aware of that, Mr. Ricketts, and your compassion for Mr. Armstrong does you credit. Still, as I have said before, the sale must go on, and unless there is another bid, I am compelled to knock the property down to the last offer. Fifteen thousand dollars I am bid, and for the third time----" "Sixteen thousand," cried Ricketts, taking out a handkerchief, and mopping his brow. The missing man now re-appeared, and took his place beside the lawyer. The three heads came closer together, and Stranleigh watched them with half-closed eyes, apparently indifferent. "The bid is against you, sir," said the Sheriff. "By the way, what name, please?" "Stranleigh." "Well, Mr. Stranleigh, I'm waiting for your bid." "Don't wait any longer, Mr. Sheriff. I'm anxious to know how much money Mr. Ricketts possesses at the present moment. The ranch belongs to him if he can hand over to you sixteen thousand dollars." Down came the gavel on the table. "Mr. Ricketts, the ranch is yours." Mr. Ricketts rose to his feet. "I ask for a postponement of this sale for a week from to-day." "I have no objection," said the Sheriff, "as of course I shall earn another fee." There was a laugh at this, then the Sheriff continued-- "But I cannot postpone the sale without the consent of Mr. Stranleigh. What do you say, Mr. Stranleigh?" "A postponement would be very inconvenient to me, much as I should like to oblige Mr. Ricketts. I therefore refuse my consent." "If the Sheriff is willing," roared Ricketts, "we will postpone without your consent, even if we have to turn you out by force."