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.