It was one of the genuine articles that the show had carried---of real Indian model and workmanship.
"Gaze upon it, gentlemen!" cried the auctioneer enthusiastically.
"Did you ever see the like of this grand war canoe?
History in every line of it! Picture to yourselves the bygone days in which such a canoe, filled with painted braves, stole along in the shadows fringing the bank of some noble stream.

Portray to your own minds such a marauding band stealing down stream upon some settlement, there to fall upon our hardy pioneers and put them to the death!" "I'm glad I'm living now, instead of in those days," called a man from the crowd, raising a laugh.
"Gentlemen, before you are through," suggested the auctioneer, "one of you will be the proud and happy possessor of this magnificent war canoe.

It is a priceless gem, especially when considered in the light of good old American history.

Now, who will start the bidding?
Who will say, clearly and distinctly, thirty dollars ?" "We're not brave enough in these days!" called a voice from the crowd.
"That's right, friends---have fun with me," retorted the perspiring auctioneer.

"But don't let this valuable, beautiful trophy get away from you." Yet, though the auctioneer labored for a full five minutes he couldn't raise a bid.
"Take it away! Take it back!" ordered the auctioneer wearily.
"I was in hopes it would appeal to the artistic sense of this town, but it doesn't! Take it away." "If no one else wants it," drawled Dick Prescott, "I'll offer two dollars." "Thank you for good intentions, anyway," replied the salesman on the platform.