of his workmen, having nothing for them to do. The
expenses which he could not put down drained his resources in a way
that bid fair to bring him to bankruptcy, and it was almost
impossible to get in outstanding accounts when the rich persons in
his debt had fled hither and thither with such speed and haste that
often no trace of them could be found, and their houses in town
were shut up and absolutely empty.

"As for Frederick, he spends money like water--and his mother
encourages him," groaned the unhappy father in confidence to his
friend. "Ah me! when I look at your fine sons, and see their
conduct at home and abroad, it makes my heart burn with shame. What
is it that makes the difference? for I am sure I have denied
Frederick no advantage that money could purchase."

"Perhaps it is those advantages which money cannot purchase that he
lacks," said James Harmer, gravely--"the prayers of a godly mother,
the chastisement of a father who would not spoil the child by
sparing the rod. There are things in the upbringing of children, my
good friend, of far more value than those which gold will
purchase."

The Master Builder gave vent to a sound almost like a groan.

"You are right, Harmer, you are right. I have not done well in this
thing. My son is no better than an idle profligate. I say it to my
shame, but so it is. Nothing that I say will keep him from his
riotous comrades and licentious ways. I have spoken till I am weary
of speaking, and all is in vain. And now that this terrible scourge
of God has fallen upon the city, instead of turning from their evil
courses with fear and loathing, he and such as he are but the more
reckless and impious, and turn into a jest even this fearful
visitation. They scour the streets as before, and drink themselves
drunk night by night. Ah, should the pestilence reach some amongst
them, what would be their terrible doom! I cannot bear even to
think of it! Yet that is too like to be the end of my wretched boy,
my poor, unhappy Frederick!"

CHAPTER V. THE PLOT AND ITS PUNISHMENT.

Strange as it may appear, the awful nature of the calamity which
had overtaken the great city had by no means the subduing influence
upon the spirits of the lawless young roisterers of the streets
that might well have been expected. No doubt there were some
amongst these who were sobered by the misfortunes of their fellows,
and by the danger in which every person in the town now stood; but
it seem