does a man of business venture to make such a
communication without the special permission of the parties concerned.
Of course, I shall make no wrong use of what you have said, but it was
by no means business-like, Wohlfart, to be so open toward me."

Anton was silent, feeling, indeed, that his principal was right, but yet
it seemed hard to be blamed for reposing confidence at such a time as
this. The merchant walked silently up and down; at length, stopping
before Anton, he said, "I do not now inquire how you come to take so
warm an interest in this family. I fear it is an acquaintance you owe to
Fink."

"You shall hear all," said Anton.

"Not at present. I will now content myself with repeating that it is
impossible for me to interfere in these affairs without being specially
applied to by the parties themselves. I may add that I by no means wish
for such an application, and do not disguise from you that, were it
made, I should probably decline to do any thing for the Baron
Rothsattel."

Anton's feelings were roused to the utmost. "The question is the rescue
of an honorable man, and of lovely and amiable women from the toils of
rogues and impostors. To me, this seems the duty of every one; I, at
least, consider it a sacred obligation which I dare not shrink from. But
without your support I can do nothing."

"And how do you think this embarrassed man can be helped?" inquired the
merchant, seating himself.

With somewhat more composure, Anton replied: "In the first instance, by
an experienced man of business making himself master of the case. There
must be some way of circumventing these villains. Your penetration would
discover it."

"Any attorney would be far more likely to do so, and the baron might
readily engage the services of experienced and upright legal advisers.
If his enemies have done any thing illegal, the quick eye of a lawyer is
the most likely to detect it."

"Alas! the baron's own lawyer gives but little hope," replied Anton.

"Then, my dear Wohlfart, no other is likely to do much good. Show me an
embarrassed man who has strength to grasp an offered hand, and bid me
help him, and for the sake of all I owe you, I will not refuse to do so.
I think you are convinced of this."

"I am," said Anton, dejectedly.

"From all I hear, however," the merchant went on, "this is not the case
with the baron. From what I gather from general report, as well as from
you, his embarrassments arise from his ha