Clayton Xavier wandered around for a good while and made a few discoveries. The town wasn't large and had only one supply and marketing cooperative. The townspeople bought nearly all their daily necessities from there. The co-op was state-run, so working there was a matter of great prestige—it was an even more sought-after job than being a teacher.
What caught Clayton Xavier's attention were the furtive street vendors. Most were villagers from nearby, who came to town to sell local produce and vegetables to earn a little extra money. Verna Golding was a frequent seller.
However, Clayton Xavier was more interested in a boy selling photographs. He was about eleven or twelve years old, with a yellow-green satchel slung over his shoulder. He would approach any young men and women he saw. From a distance, Clayton could see they were photos. Although not many people were buying, there were a few takers. The price wasn't low: twenty cents for one, or fifty cents for three.
