Denny walked to the middle of the wooden bed.

He took a black microphone out of his coat pocket and switched it on.

The portable amplifier screeched for a second before settling into a low hum.

“Good afternoon,” Denny said through the speakers.

“We’re here to sell eighty prime acres of Kearney County land.”

He pointed his wooden gavel straight at the crowd.

“You all know the rules,” Denny said.

“Open auction.