"I see you are a young man of original humor. Is the building used as a poorhouse near by?"
"Yes, sir, that is it," said Percy, pointing to the forlorn-looking dwelling he had just left.
"Thank you, sir," said the stranger, and resumed his walk.
"I wonder what he wants," speculated Percy. "Perhaps he is a relation of Mr. and Mrs. Fogson. I wish I had asked him."
The quiet-looking man was soon at the outer door of the poorhouse, and knocked, for there was no bell.
Mrs. Fogson answered the knock, and surveyed the stranger with some curiosity.
"I believe this is the Scranton poorhouse."
"Yes, sir."
"And you, perhaps, are in charge."
"Yes, sir. Did you wish to see any of the paupers?" asked Mrs. Fogson, thinking that the visitor, who was inexpensively dressed, might be related to some of her boarders.