"His last name is Taylor, I have not seen him before for five years. Does he often come into the village?"
"About twice a week."
"I suppose he comes to buy food?"
"Yes; I suppose so."
"Does he appear to be provided with money?" asked Taylor with some eagerness.
"Yes, I believe so," replied Tom. "He has sometimes come into our place—father is the postmaster—to get a gold piece changed. But I don't suppose he has much money. It doesn't cost him much to live."
"Does he ever get any letters—as your father is postmaster, you can probably tell."
"I don't think so; my father has never mentioned it, and I think he would if any had been received."
"What sort of a boy is this Mark Manning?" asked Taylor abruptly.
"I don't think much of him," answered James. "He is poor and proud. He is only a pegger in our shop, but he puts on airs with the best."