The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Wrecker by Stevenson & Osbourne: into the place of sale. The Flying Scud, although so important
to ourselves, appeared to attract a very humble share of popular
attention. The auctioneer was surrounded by perhaps a score of
lookers-on, big fellows, for the most part, of the true Western
build, long in the leg, broad in the shoulder, and adorned (to a
plain man's taste) with needless finery. A jaunty, ostentatious
comradeship prevailed. Bets were flying, and nicknames.
"The boys" (as they would have called themselves) were very
boyish; and it was plain they were here in mirth, and not on
business. Behind, and certainly in strong contrast to these
gentlemen, I could detect the figure of my friend Captain Trent,
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