mingled, and passed at this crossways of commerce. The stranger stood
beside his mules. The dome of his pith helmet rose above the average
level of heads. People gazed upon it in mild wonder, and began to crowd
around.

"Now," said the stranger, poking Lewis's thin pony in the ribs, "offer
this jack-rabbit for sale, cash and delivery on the minute."

"Offer my--my pony----" stammered Lewis.

The stranger eyed him grimly.

"_Your_ pony?"

Suddenly Lewis remembered. He threw up his head and called out as he was
bidden. People nudged one another, but no man spoke. Then a wag on the
outskirts of the crowd shouted:

"I'll give thee a penny for what's left of that horse, brother."

There was a ripple of laughter. Lewis colored, and his eyes grew moist.

"He says he will give a penny," he said.

"A penny?" said the stranger, gravely. "Take it. Cash, mind you. Cash on
delivery."

The sale was made amid general consternation. As the dazed wag led his
purchase away, he trembled as though from a first stroke of paralysis.
The marketplace began to buzz, to hum, and then to shout, "A stranger