agreeable operation. We had all lost heavily. In fact we had only a few sovereigns left, barely sufficient to pay our expenses.

"I never believed in the infernal system," said Somers, as we walked home to our hotel in the bright autumn morning; "we must have been asses."

I could not help laughing at the disappointed expression on poor Dodd's face.

"It wants looking into," muttered Peter.

"I mean to have a dance on that roulette wheel when I get back to town; no more systems for this infant. What's to be done about money?" said Somers.

"We must back a winner to-morrow," I replied; but whether it was the tiring effects of the night's gambling or not I cannot say, we were very unlucky with our investments, and finished the day as nearly cleaned out as possible. Circumstances were now very grave, and the question was how were we to pay our hotel bill and get back to London? Three more disconsolate-looking men did not walk the streets of Doncaster. We put our heads together in vain—no good idea came out of them, and in the hope that night would bring good counsel we retired to rest.

[Pg 18]

[Pg 18]

But the morning found us without any solution to the problem, and Dodd, who took the greater part of the blame on himself—went out into the town to see if he could meet any friend who would lend him a few pounds. The time Dodd was gone Somers said he would look into the public room, and I was left in my bedroom writing "copy" for the Weekly Clarion. Somers soon returned with a beaming countenance.

"You have been fortunate?" I said.

"Yes, but not in the manner you think," answered Somers.

"But do you see your way out of the difficulty?"

"Certainly, but it all depends on you."

"Well, explain. I am ready to do anything."

"I thought so. Now, listen. There is a sale on in the yard, and the auctioneer has not turned up. When I saw the dilemma the farmers were in, I said my friend would be glad to officiate—meaning you. Dodd would make a regular mess of it, and my squeaky voice would never be heard."

"You cannot be serious, Somers," I exclaimed.

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