Paddington Helps Out. Michael Bond

Читать онлайн.
Название Paddington Helps Out
Автор произведения Michael Bond
Жанр Природа и животные
Серия
Издательство Природа и животные
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9780007402564



Скачать книгу

really your fault.

      “You see,” he continued, when he returned from the desk, “you have to be very careful at a sale, Mr Brown.”

      Mr Gruber went on to explain how the auctioneer offered each item for sale, and how, after one person had made a bid for something, it was up to anyone else who wanted it to make a better offer.

      “If you nod your head, Mr Brown,” he said, “or even scratch your nose, they think it’s a sign you want to buy something. I expect the auctioneer saw you raise your hat just now and thought you were bidding.”

      Paddington wasn’t at all sure what Mr Gruber meant, but having carefully made sure the auctioneer wasn’t looking, he quickly nodded and then sat very still while he watched the proceedings.

      Although he didn’t say anything to Mr Gruber, he was beginning to wish he hadn’t come to the auction. The room was hot and crowded and he wanted to take his hat off. Apart from that he was sitting on the handle of his suitcase, which was most uncomfortable.

      He closed his eyes and was just about to try and go to sleep when Mr Gruber nudged his paw and pointed to the catalogue.

      “I say, Mr Brown,” he said. “The next item is very interesting. It’s an old pistol – the sort highwaymen used. They’re quite popular just now. I think I shall try bidding for it.”

      Paddington sat up and watched excitedly as the auctioneer held the pistol in the air for everyone to see. “Lot thirty-four,” he shouted. “What am I bid for this genuine antique pistol?”

      “Twenty pounds,” came a voice from the back of the room.

      “Twenty pounds fifty,” called Mr Gruber, waving his catalogue.

      “Twenty-two pounds,” came another voice.

      “Oh dear,” said Mr Gruber, making some calculations on the side of his catalogue. “Twenty-two pounds fifty pence.”

      “Twenty-three pounds,” came the same voice again.

      Paddington stood on his case and stared across the room. “That’s the man who made me buy the carpentry tools by mistake,” he whispered, tapping Mr Gruber excitedly.

      “Well, we mustn’t let him have it whatever we do,” exclaimed Mr Gruber. “Twenty-three pounds fifty!”

      “Twenty-four pounds,” cried Paddington wildly.

      “Ahem,” said Mr Gruber tactfully, not wishing to offend Paddington. “I think we’re bidding against each other, Mr Brown.”

      Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

      Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

      Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

      Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.

iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAu4AAAR/CAIAAADLlfRBAAAKRWlDQ1BJQ0MgcHJvZmlsZQAAeNqd U2dUU+kWPffe9EJLiICUS29SFQggUkKLgBSRJiohCRBKiCGh2RVRwRFFRQQbyKCIA46OgIwVUSwM igrYB+Qhoo6Do4iKyvvhe6Nr1rz35s3+tdc+56zznbPPB8AIDJZIM1E1gAypQh4R4IPHxMbh5C5A gQokcAAQCLNkIXP9IwEA+H48PCsiwAe+AAF40wsIAMBNm8AwHIf/D+pCmVwBgIQBwHSROEsIgBQA QHqOQqYAQEYBgJ2YJlMAoAQAYMtjYuMAUC0AYCd/5tMAgJ34mXsBAFuUIRUBoJEAIBNliEQAaDsA rM9WikUAWDAAFGZLxDkA2C0AMElXZkgAsLcAwM4QC7IACAwAMFGIhSkABHsAYMgjI3gAhJkAFEby VzzxK64Q5yoAAHiZsjy5JDlFgVsILXEHV1cuHijOSRcrFDZhAmGaQC7CeZkZMoE0D+DzzAAAoJEV EeCD8/14zg6uzs42jrYOXy3qvwb/ImJi4/7lz6twQAAA4XR+0f4sL7MagDsGgG3+oiXuBGheC6B1 94tmsg9AtQCg6dpX83D4fjw8RaGQudnZ5eTk2ErEQlthyld9/mfCX8BX/Wz5fjz89/XgvuIkgTJd gUcE+ODCzPRMpRzPkgmEYtzmj0f8twv//B3TIsRJYrlYKhTjURJxjkSajPMypSKJQpIpxSXS/2Ti 3yz7Az7fNQCwaj4Be5EtqF1jA/ZLJxBYdMDi9wAA8rtvwdQoCAOAaIPhz3f/7z/9R6AlAIBmSZJx AABeRCQuVMqzP8cIAABEoIEqsEEb9MEYLMAGHMEF3MEL/GA2hEIkxMJCEEIKZIAccmAprIJCKIbN sB0qYC/UQB00wFFohpNwDi7CVbgOPXAP+mEInsEovIEJBEHICBNhIdqIAWKKWCOOCBeZhfghwUgE EoskIMmIFFEiS5E1SDFSilQgVUgd8j1yAjmHXEa6kTvIADKC/Ia8RzGUgbJRPdQMtUO5qDcahEai C9BkdDGajxagm9BytBo9jDah59CraA/ajz5DxzDA6BgHM8RsMC7Gw0KxOCwJk2PLsSKsDKvGGrBW rAO7ifVjz7F3BBKBRcAJNgR3QiBhHkFIWExYTthIqCAcJDQR2gk3CQOEUcInIpOoS7QmuhH5xBhi MjGHWEgsI9YSjxMvEHuIQ8Q3JBKJQzInuZACSbGkVNIS0kbSblIj6SypmzRIGiOTydpka7IHOZQs ICvIheSd5MPkM+Qb5CHyWwqdYkBxpPhT4ihSympKGeUQ5TTlBmWYMkFVo5pS3aihVBE1j1pCraG2 Uq9Rh6gTNHWaOc2DFklLpa2ildMaaBdo92mv6HS6Ed2VHk6X0FfSy+lH