The auctioneer stepped away from his podium.
His face was no longer amused.
"That's enough."
The farmer turned.
"What's the problem?"
The older man approached.
"You're going to damage the merchandise."
The boy looked up.
"But I bought it."
The auctioneer stopped.
Several men in the crowd nodded.
One called out, "Kid paid for it fair and square!"
Another said, "Let him look!"
The auctioneer's cheeks flushed.
For a moment, he seemed ready to argue.
Then he forced a laugh.
"Fine. But don't come crying to me if you find nothing but spiders."
The farmer examined the hidden panel.
It had a small recessed latch near the upper edge.
He released it carefully.
The panel shifted.
Then opened.
And behind it lay a narrow rectangular compartment protected from the rust and moisture outside.
Inside was something wrapped in dark oilcloth.
The boy stopped breathing.
The farmer looked toward him.
"Well, I'll be."
He carefully lifted the bundle from its resting place.
It was heavier than it looked.
About the size of a large book.
Bound with faded leather straps.
The boy held out his hands.
The farmer lowered it gently into them.
For several seconds, the child did not move.
Then he whispered.
"Grandpa."
The auctioneer stepped closer.
His eyes were fixed on the bundle.
"What is that?"
The boy looked down.
The oilcloth was dark and stiff.
One corner had been folded beneath a thin leather strap.
He carefully loosened it.
Inside was a weathered brown document case.
Its brass clasp had turned green with age.
A faint inscription appeared on the front.
Not a brand.
Not a manufacturer.
A family surname.
The same surname his grandfather had carried.
The boy's eyes widened.
A murmur passed through the crowd.
The auctioneer's face changed.
He stared at the old leather case.
Then took one involuntary step forward.
"No."
The boy looked up.
"What?"
The auctioneer swallowed.
For a moment, every trace of amusement disappeared from his face.
Then he reached toward the case.
"Give me that."
The boy pulled it against his chest.
The farmer moved slightly between them.
"Hold on."
The auctioneer's voice sharpened.
"That belongs to the estate."
The farmer looked toward the giant can.