`` There , that 's all , '' said the auctioneer , wiping his face , for the day was very warm for October . `` There 's nothing more unless we sell the baby . '' A laugh went through the crowd . The sale had been a dull affair , and they were ready for some fun . Someone called out , `` Put him up , Jacob . '' The joke found favour and the call was repeated hilariously . Jacob Blair took little Teddy Garland out of Martha 's arms and stood him up on the table by the door , steadying the small chap with one big brown hand . The baby had a mop of yellow curls , and a pink and white face , and big blue eyes . He laughed out at the men before him and waved his hands in delight . Pa Sloane thought he had never seen so pretty a baby . `` Here 's a baby for sale , '' shouted the auctioneer . `` A genuine article , pretty near as good as brand-new . A real live baby , warranted to walk and talk a little . Who bids ? A dollar ? Did I hear anyone mean enough to bid a dollar ? No , sir , babies do n't come as cheap as that , especially the curly-headed brand . '' The crowd laughed again . Pa Sloane , by way of keeping on the joke , cried , `` Four dollars ! '' Everybody looked at him .
The impression flashed through the crowd that Pa was XXXXX earnest , and meant thus to signify his intention of giving the baby a home .
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