AUCTIONEER. [Rising and tapping] Now, gen'lemen, it's not often a piece of land like this comes into the market. What's that? [To a friend in front of him] No better land in Deepwater--that's right, Mr. Spicer. I know the village well, and a charming place it is; perfect locality, to be sure. Now I don't want to wirry you by singing the praises of this property; there it is--well-watered, nicely timbered--no reservation of the timber, gen'lemen--no tenancy to hold you up; free to do what you like with it to-morrow. You've got a jewel of a site there, too; perfect position for a house. It lies between the Duke's and Squire Hillcrist's--an emerald isle. [With his smile] No allusion to Ireland, gen'lemen--perfect peace in the Centry. Nothing like it in the county--a gen'leman's site, and you don't get that offered you every day. [He looks down towards HORNBLOWER, stage Left] Carries the mineral rights, and as you know, perhaps, there's the very valuable Deepwater clay there. What am I to start it at? Can I say three thousand? Well, anything you like to give me. I'm sot particular. Come now, you've got more time than me, I expect. Two hundred acres of first-rate grazin' and cornland, with a site for a residence unequalled in the county; and all the possibilities! Well, what shall I say? [Bid from SPICER.] Two thousand? [With his smile] That won't hurt you, Mr. Spicer. Why, it's worth that to overlook the Duke. For two thousand? [Bid from HORNBLOWER, stage Left.] And five. Thank you, sir. Two thousand five hundred bid. [To a friend just below him.] Come, Mr. Sandy, don't scratch your head over it. [Bid from DAWKER, Stage Right.] And five. Three thousand bid for this desirable property. Why, you'd think it wasn't desirable. Come along, gen'lemen. A little spirit. [A alight pause.] JILL. Why can't I see the bids, Dodo? HILLCRIST. The last was Dawker's. AUCTIONEER. For three thousand. [HORNBLOWER] Three thousand five hundred? May I say--four? [A bid from the centre] No, I'm not particular; I'll take hundreds. Three thousand six hundred bid. [HORNBLOWER] And seven. Three thousand seven hundred, and---- [He pauses, quartering the audience.] JILL. Who was that, Dodo? HILLCRIST. Hornblower. It's the Duke in the centre.