Leila handed the apples to a small girl, who losing no time followed Eve’s remote example.  “Oh, mother!” she cried, “it’s got a five-dollar piece in it—­most broke my new tooth.”

“The root of all evil,” said Grace.

There were pots that were cracked or bottomless, old novels, and to the evident dismay of John a favourite smoking jacket.  Ann clapped her hands with delight as John shook at her a finger of reproach.  Then came tied up in paper, which John unrolled, the long-forgotten cane of his youth, and how it got there the Squire or Billy may have known.  John bid, but at a warning signal from Leila gave up, as she recaptured her property.  There were other apples, with and without money; and so with fun and merriment the sale went on to Westways’ satisfaction.

“What’s this,” said John, with an unpleasant shock of annoyance as he uncovered the Colonel’s war-worn uniform.  He hesitated, looking towards his uncle who seemed bewildered.  “That’s that rascal, Billy—­it’s a mistake,” exclaimed the Colonel.

“No, sir,” shouted Billy, “Squire told me to take ’em.  There’s a sword too.  Squire said it wasn’t any use now.”

No one laughed; it was obviously one of Billy’s blunders.  John put the worn uniform and the sword aside and threw a cover over them.  It was an unpleasant reminder of the Colonel’s state of mind and disturbed the little group at one side of the stage.  John made haste to get away from it.

“Last article for sale—­it’s large and must be bought covered up.  Who will bid?” Amid laughter the bids rose.  At a dollar and ten cents it fell to Mrs. Pole, and proved when uncovered to be another band-box.  Mrs. Pole came forward, and Ann Penhallow pleased to have been able to amuse her husband said, “We are curious, Mrs. Pole, open it.”  Mrs. Pole obeyed, and as she held up the rolled package it dropped into the unmistakable form of a man’s breeches.

Westways exploded into wild applause, understanding joyously this freak of fortune.  Mrs. Pole joined in their merriment, and the carpenter punched the butcher in the ribs for emphasis, as he said, “How’s that, Pole?” The butcher made use of unpleasant language, as John relieved said, “The sale is over.  You can settle with Mr. Grace.”  As he spoke he moved over to where Leila stood beside the two McGregors.

The people rose and put on their cloaks preparing to leave.  Then John heard Tom McGregor say, “Look out, father!  Something is going to happen.”

The Colonel moved forward unsteadily.  His face flushed, grew pale, and something like a grimace distorted his features, as he said, “The sale is not over, sit down.”

People took their places again wondering what was to come.  Then with the clear ringing voice the cavalry lines knew in far-away Indian wars, he cried, “We will now sell the most useless article in Westways.  Who’ll buy silly Billy?”

“Can’t sell me,” piped out Billy’s thin voice as he fled in alarm, amid laughter.