If the new stadium is defeated and the Mariners' owners sell the team, it's not likely that a local buyer would step forward.

But after prices held firmer than expected, buyers stepped in and began the upward move.

If just 10 buyers step forward, the ticket could be three or four times greater.

In effect, that would leave the survival of the ailing Post in question, because no viable buyer has stepped forward.

Bond yields once again flirted with 8 percent yesterday, but at that level some buyers stepped in to purchase securities.

The combined effect of that selling caused any possible buyers to step away, traders said.

Everything gave the impression that the buyer could step straight into a gourmet paradise.

But buyers stepped in at lower price levels, and most of the early price declines were erased.

Mr. Levine was ready to sign, but then a buyer stepped forward.

But the weakness wore off as buyers stepped in.