sequins I had given to each. I did not reproach them; on the contrary, as my capital was increased to six thousand sequins, I gave them each another one thousand sequins, kept a like sum myself, and concealed the other three thousand in a corner of my house, in order that if our voyage proved unsuccessful, we might be able to console ourselves and begin again. We purchased our goods, embarked in a vessel, which we ourselves freighted, and set sail with a favorable wind. After sailing about a month, we arrived at a port, where we landed, and had a most advantageous sale for our merchandise. I, in particular, sold mine so well, that I gained ten for one.
About the time that we were ready to embark on our return, I accidentally met on the seashore a female of great beauty, but very poorly dressed. She accosted me by kissing my hand, and entreated me most earnestly to permit her to be my wife. I made many difficulties to such a plan; but at length she said so much to persuade me that I ought not to regard her poverty, and that I should be well satisfied with her conduct, that I was won to consent. I procured proper dresses for her, and after marrying her in due form, she embarked with me, and we set sail.
During our voyage, I found my wife possessed of so many good qualities, that I loved her every day more and more. In the mean time my two brothers, who had not traded so advantageously as myself, and who were jealous of my pros-
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