I loses Peewee in the crowd, 'n' climbs on to a shed
roof to see better.
"Pretty soon here comes a real ole nigger leadin' a mare that looks to
be about as old as the nigger. At that she showed class. Her head's
still fine, 'n' her legs ain't got so much as a pimple on 'em.
"'Number eleven in your catalogues, gentlemen!' says the auctioneer.
'Mary Goodloe by Victory, first dam Dainty Maid by--what's the use of
tellin' you _her_ breedin', you _all_ know _her_! Gentlemen,' he says,
'how many of you can say you ever owned a Kentucky Derby winner? Well,
here's your chance to own one! This mare won the derby in--er--
"'Eighty-three, suh--I saw her do it,' says a man with a white mustache.
"'Eighty-three, thank you, Colonel. You have a fine memory,' says the
auctioneer. 'I saw her do it, too. Now, gentlemen,' he says, 'what am
I offered for this grand old mare? She's the dam of six winners--three
of 'em stake hosses. Kindly start the bidding.'
"'Twenty dollahs!' says the ole nigger who has hold of the mare.
"'Fifty!' says some one else.
"'Hole on dah,' sings out the ole nigger. 'I'se just 'bliged to tell
you folks I'se pu'chasin' dis hyar mare fo' Miss Sally Goodloe!'
"The auctioneer looks at the guy who bids fifty.
"'I withdraw that bid,' says the guy.
"'Sold to you for twenty dollars, Uncle Jake,' says the auctioneer.
'Bring on number twelve!'
"'Hyah's yo' twenty dollahs,' says the ole nigger, fishin' out a roll
of raggedy bills and passin' 'em up to the stand.
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