After Churi had told his army of his battle plans, they dispersed in all directions. A number of spectators had gathered around the warriors, every child in Middle Lot, down to the two-year-olds. Ahead of all was Kaetheli, who was always on the spot when something was to be seen or heard. When she left the meadow, she saw Erick standing near the hedge, where he had stood for a long time watching the tumultuous crowd. Kaetheli ran to him. "This will be such a fight as never before," she called to him with admiration. "Don't you want to be in it, Erick?" "No," he answered drily. "Why not?" "Because they act as I do not care to act." "Not? You are a peculiar boy, you are always alone. Do you know where you are going Monday when Marianne goes away from here?" "No." "You are going to be auctioned off. My father has said so." "What is that?" asked Erick, who now listened more attentively to Kaetheli. "Oh, there are a crowd of people in the room and they bid on you, and whoever bids the lowest gets you." "That is stupid," said Erick. "Why is it stupid?" "Because they would get more money if they gave me to him who offers the most." "No, you did not understand. You are not going to be sold, quite the reverse; he who gets you also gets the money--do you understand now?" "Who gives him the money?" "Well, that is not a person, as you think," Kaetheli explained. "Do you see, there is a money box with money in it for the people who are poor and miserable and homeless." Erick grew purple. "I am not going to be auctioned," he said defiantly. "Yes, indeed, Erick, that cannot be helped. One has to obey before one is confirmed. If you do not obey, then someone just puts you on his shoulder and takes you to the auction room." After Kaetheli had instructed Erick in what was coming to him, she bade him good-night and went her way. Erick stayed on the same spot and did not move. He had become deathly pale and his blue eyes flashed defiance and indignation, which had never been seen in this sunny face. Thus Erick stood on the same spot when Churi came by on his way home. "Have they made you angry, velvet panty? I never have seen you so mad," he exclaimed and stopped near the hedge. He received no answer. "You join us in the fight and strike hard; that will relieve your feelings." Erick shook his head. "Don't be such a sneak, and say something. The fellow who has made you wrathful will no doubt be there, then you can get at him." "It is no boy," grumbled Erick. "So, who then, perhaps Kaetheli?" "I will not go to be auctioned," Erick burst out and his anger flashed as never before. "Well, well, is that all. That is nothing," Churi thought. "You just come with us and you will forget the auction on the spot. Or are you afraid of the thrashing, you fine velvet pants? Do you know what? I could tell you something that would suit you?"