The law prohibits any act by which the bidding upon property sold at involuntary auction is artificially limited or controlled. The property being sold is that of an unfortunate debtor. As much as possible must be realized from it, so that not only may the lien be paid, but if possible something remain for the owner. Full access and opportunity to bid must be given to all prospective bidders. No bidder is required to bid more for the property than he wishes. But the sale must be conducted in the usual manner, without undue haste, or failure to recognize any bidder.

The lienor at whose instance the property is being sold expects to be paid the amount of his claim out of the proceeds of sale; He therefore is justified in bidding the property (if it is worth it) at least up to an amount sufficient to satisfy his claim. There is nothing improper in this even though he cease bidding when that amount has been reached. Nor is it wrong for junior lienors to bid upon the property in an effort to protect themselves; or for the owner to bid in an effort to have his property bring as much as possible. The mere fact that the successful bidder secured the property very cheaply, would not be evidence of fraud.