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.

Auctioneer.  Come, gen’lemen, don’t keep me all day.  Four thousand may I say? [Dawker] Thank you.  We’re beginning.  And one? [A bid from the centre] Four thousand one hundred. [Hornblower] Four thousand two hundred.  May I have yours, sir? [To Dawker] And three.  Four thousand three hundred bid.  No such site in the county, gen’lemen.  I’m going to sell this land for what it’s worth.  You can’t bid too much for me. [He smiles] [Hornblower] Four thousand five hundred bid. [Bid from the centre] And six. [Dawker] And seven. [Hornblower] And eight.  Nine, may I say? [But the centre has dried up] [Dawker] And nine. [Hornblower] Five thousand.  Five thousand bid.  That’s better; there’s some spirit in it.  For five thousand.

     [He pauses while he speak& to the solicitor]

Hillcrist. It’s a duel now.

Auctioneer.  Now, gen’lemen, I’m not going to give this property away.  Five thousand bid. [Dawker] And one. [Hornblower] And two. [Dawker] And three.  Five thousand three hundred bid.  And five, did you say, sir? [Hornblower] Five thousand five hundred bid.