so a peculiar light of comprehension shone in his eyes.




CHAPTER II

TO THE LOWEST BIDDER

There was an unusually large number of people gathered in front of
Thomas Marshall's store one morning about the last of May. Women were
there as well as men, and all were talking and laughing in a most
pleasant way. The cause of this excitement was explained by a notice
tacked on the store door.


"The Board, Lodging, and Clothing of David Findley, Pauper, will be let
to the lowest bidder for a period of one year, on Wednesday, May 30th
inst., at Thomas Marshall's store, Chutes Corner, at 10 o'clock A. M.

"Signed

"J. B. FLETCHER
T. S. TITUS
O. R. MITCHELL
_Overseers of Poor_."


This notice had been posted there for about two weeks, and had
attracted the attention of all the people in the parish. It was out of