Colonel was known for his ability to detect even the slightest
nod or gesture from bidders. At auctions, Frank Phillips and one of
his brothers used almost imperceptible signals—a raised eyebrow
or a flick of a cigar. Frank joked that his brother had once cost
them $100,000 by swatting a fly.
Colonel knew his audience and pointed at a gray-haired man
with an unlit cigar clamped between his teeth. He was
representing a consortium of interests that included Frank Phillips
and Skelly—the old adversaries now allies. The gray-haired man
made an almost invisible nod.
“Seven hundred,” cried Colonel, quickly pointing to the first
bidder. Another nod.
“Eight hundred,” Colonel said.Downtown Pawhuska in 1906, before the oil boom Credit 24