10 A.M.
The scene was a small store on Nassau street near Fulton street , in New York City . Outside of the open doorway hung a red flag , indicative of an auction sale . The single window of the place was crowded with vases , imitation marble statues , plated tableware , and gorgeous lamps of highly-polished metal . Among these articles was a sign in black letters on white cardboard bearing these words : ROYAL CONSIGNMENT AUCTION CO. , Sales Daily from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Inside , toward the rear , there was a small raised platform , and upon this stood the auctioneer , a tall , thin-faced man , with sharp black eyes , and rather a squeaky voice . To one side was his assistant , a much younger and much more pleasant-looking individual , who wrapped up the articles sold and collected for them . It was between twelve and one o'clock in the day , and the auction store was crowded with business people , who , during their lunch-time , had dropped in to see what was going on , and , possibly , make a purchase . There were middle-aged business men , young clerks , and several young ladies , and all appeared interested in the mild excitement attending the disposal of the goods .