“Who keeps the general store in the village—let’s see, it’s called Strawdon, isn’t it?”
“No, sir, but that’s pretty near it. The name of the town is Hayden.”
“Oh, yes, Hayden. I remember now.”
“Well,” replied Dan, “it’s not very large. There are probably five hundred persons in it. It contains a bank, several stores, a grist mill, and just outside of it is a box factory. Then there is a town hall, where the selectmen meet once a month, and a small library, but I don’t get much chance to go there.”
“Why not?”
“Well, Mr. Savage doesn’t approve of books.”
“Do you like them?”
“I am fond of reading and study, but I don’t get much opportunity.”
“That’s too bad. Who did you say kept the general store in the village?”
“I didn’t say,” replied Dan with a smile, “but Hank Lee keeps it.”