THE MERCHANT
not allowed even to see her. She was locked up in a room, where she sat moping and nearly crying her eyes out. It went no better with the young man at other places: all those to whom he turned for help shook their heads or abused him like a pick-pocket, but no one raised a finger to help him.
At length he returned home, utterly depressed and despondent; but the old book-keeper told him to pick up courage. Some of their customers abroad owed them large sums of money. "I have saved a little from time to time," said he; "this will enable me to keep up the business until we can be helped. Here is a list of those whom we may expect to pay their debts. I advise you to go and see them. There is money enough here to pay your fare."
The merchant embraced the true old man, and thanked him for-his great faithfulness and devotion. Having received much good advice from his old friend, he set out on his journey.
It seemed, however, that misfortune had determined to follow him, for all who could pay their debts refused to do so, while the rest were willing enough, but had no money. At length the young man had nothing to do but return home.
One day, towards evening, he reached an inn. A storm had overtaken him, and an icy-cold drizzle made him shiver from head to foot. He had been obliged to sell his horse and discharge his servant, and a few pennies were all that he had left in his purse, although home was still far away. Tired and
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