was something that not everybody
could do. 'So you're back at your old nonsense?' she burst out. 'Let
your music go, and think of more important matters. Besides, you're not
able to manage a business yourself.' I explained that I had found a
partner. 'A partner?' she exclaimed. 'You'll surely be cheated. I hope
you haven't advanced any money?' I was trembling without knowing why.
'Did you advance any money?' she asked once more. I admitted that I had
advanced the three thousand gulden for the initial equipment. 'Three
thousand gulden!' she exclaimed; 'as much as that?' 'The rest,' I
continued, 'is deposited with the court, and that's safe at all events.'
'What, still more?' she screamed. I mentioned the amount of the bond.
'And did you pay it over to the court personally?' 'My partner paid it.'
'But you have a receipt for it.' 'I haven't.' 'And what is the name of
your fine partner?' she asked. It was a relief to be able to mention my
father's secretary.

"'Good heavens!' she cried, starting up and wringing her hands. 'Father!
Father!' The old man entered. 'What was that you read in the papers
today?' 'About the secretary?' he asked. 'Yes, yes!' 'Oh, he absconded,
left nothing but debts, and swindled everybody. A warrant for his arrest
has been issued.' 'Father,' she cried, 'here's one of his victims. He
intrusted his money to him. He is ruined!'

"'Oh, you blockhead! The fools aren't all dead yet,' cried the old man.
'Didn't I tell her so? But she always found an excuse for him. At one
time she ridiculed him, at another time he was honesty itself. But I'll
take a hand in this business! I'll show you who's master in this house.
You, Barbara, go to your room, and quickly. And you, sir, get out, and
spare us your visits in future. We're not in the charity business
here.' 'Father,' said the girl, 'don't be harsh with him; he's unhappy
enough as it is!' 'That's the very reason I don't want to become unhappy
too,' cried the old man. 'There, sir,' he continued, pointing to the
letter Barbara had thrown upon the table a short time before, 'there's a
man for you! He's got brains in his head and money in his purse. He
doesn't swindle any one, but he takes good care at the same time not to
let any one swindle him. And that's the main thing in being honest!' I
stammered something about the loss of the bond not being certain. 'Ha,
ha,' he cried, 'that secretary was no fool, the sly rascal! And now
you'd better run after him, perha