It was suggested that they should go to the highest bidder among ourselves.

This seemed a just settlement to me, and the question came up as to when the sale should be held and who would conduct it.

My partners had a lawyer in the room to represent them, though I had not considered having a legal representative; I thought I could take care of so simple a transaction.

The lawyer acted as the auctioneer, and it was suggested that we should go on with the sale then and there.

All agreed, and so the auction began.
I had made up my mind that I wanted to go into the oil trade, not as a special partner, but actively on a larger scale, and with Mr.Andrews wished to buy that business.