I have realised that the auctioneer needs very good hearing as he could easily miss these self-effacing murmurings. It seems that farmers are very bashful and bid almost shamefacedly at these auctions as though they don’t wish anyone to know what they are up to. I looked around but could see no one who even looked as though they might be bidding but the auctioneer was going up rapidly in hundreds and when I looked back and began to concentrate again he had gone up to £8000. The pace then slowed a little and I was able to get in with £8100. I had decided that the way to work these auctions was to look straight at the auctioneer’s face and bid clearly and firmly and most of all unhesitatingly until my limit was reached, that way any opposition might be induced to think that I would keep going whatever they bid and drop out early. I decided to build up this reputation if I could and hoped it would pay off in the future.

Accordingly when a bid came for £8200 I immediately and confidently attacked with £8300. I was feeling quite relaxed as our limit figure of £9000 was still someway off and I could enjoy the next few minutes without worrying, knowing that Richard would be happy whatever happened. The opposition was hesitating and I felt I had him on the ropes, I just hoped there was no one else waiting to pounce when I had finished him off. By this time I had him identified and I gave him what I hoped was a long hard stare as much as to say ‘Come on then, matey, I’m ready to go on!’ I hoped he would say nothing and willed the auctioneer to crash his stick down and say the magic ‘Walton, Low Arvie’ once again, but just before he managed to do this the opposition came back again with £8400. I was conscious of a slight disappointment but countered immediately once again with £8500 loudly and clearly.

This was the knockout punch and the man was counted out as I heard the auctioneer put Richard’s name on the tractor.