He had been the sheriff's driver on the occasion of that official's interview with the School-teacher. He was familiar with the mountains, and it was thought less likely to be resisted, since he was one of the mountain people. He knew the School-teacher. It was said that for a time he had hung about him, hoping to be employed to go from house to house and collect the School-teacher's salary, until he discovered to his astonishment, that this stranger was charging nothing for his service.
The sheriff rose and went out into the village to seek this man, while the others awaited his return. The sheriff was not gone very long. He presently entered the church with another. This man had a curious deep red birthmark covering the entire side of his face. He came up the church aisle behind the sheriff, stepping softly and glancing furtively about him. He slipped into a seat before the table facing the altar, and remained there shifting his hat in his lingers.
The sheriff took his place at the table.
“I found Jonas,” he said.
The minister looked across the table at the man.
“Will you go?” he inquired.
“Yes, I'll go,” replied the man, “if I git paid enough for it.”
“How much do you want?” said the minister.
“Well,” replied the man, “it ought to be worth about five dollars.”
The three men at the table protested.