The house itself had been sold that morning. Now it was the turn of the contents. The crowd of dealers, collectors, bargain-hunters and plain sale-goers walked about examining this and that and generally having a last look round before the excitement of the sale. Every piece was numbered and listed, and everyone had a copy of the list. The sale was to take place in the largest room, the sitting room, which had been prepared. A few people were already waiting there.
    The room was half full of chairs. These carried the highest numbers, so that they could be put to ordinary use till near the end. In front of the fireplace stood the salesman's desk, a box-like piece of furniture with four steps. At work, the salesman stood a meter above everyone. He was trained to notice the slightest movement of a hand, an eye, or even an eyebrow, any of which might signal a bid. Beside the desk were a table and two chairs for the clerk and the cashier. Many of the sale goods were already here, some from the bedrooms looking out of place.
    Almost in the middle stood a big kitchen table covered by a blanket. The salesman came in and climbed on to his stand. His assistants followed him in and took their places.
   “Ladies and gentlemen, ”the salesman said, “I have been informed to tell you that everything must be sold this afternoon. No price is too low or too high for anything, but a price I must have for everything. We are now ready to begin, and we do so with Lot Number One …”At this point two strong-looking men lifted on to the central table a large wooden chest. It seemed too big for a modern house.