he
discovery, which would give so much pleasure to Count Clodwig. And now
all the boy's thoughts were turned into a new channel, and his
perplexing doubts forgotten. Eric rejoiced in the versatile mind of
youth, which at one moment is entirely absorbed in some overpowering
thought, and the next is engrossed by another which entirely displaces
the first. This is the blessing and joy of youth. Roland was full of
plans for the foundation of a museum, and Eric encouraged him in them,
and took pains to show that here was an example of what possessions
really mean; these historical treasures did not belong to him who
called them his, but to the world, which from them could learn
something of former ages; no one could have them for himself alone.
This is the true idea of possession, freed from all material weight.
Thus ought we to look upon all the possessions of the world.

This incident seemed to lead the boy's mind to composure. But as they
were going home, he asked,--"Now tell me, Eric, what would you do if
all this wealth were yours? Can you tell, Eric, now?" "Not exactly. I
think I should waste much of it in experiments, in trying to alleviate
the sufferings of humanity. I have often speculated about it, and the
first greeting that came to me was,--'What is a million? What are
millions? What do they mean?'" As Eric was silent, Roland asked, "Well,
have you found what they mean?" "I have first made this clear to
myself. In order to know how great value any sum possesses in itself, I
have first asked, 'How much bread could be bought for a million?' And
by means of this somewhat childish question, I came, as I believe, upon
the right road."

"Which is?"

"I tried to find how many families a million would support. That, I
think, is the road, but of course I have not yet reached the end. I
repeat, however, that first of all we must make sure that we are strong
enough to do the right, at all times, under all circumstances. What
time or circumstances may demand of us, no one can determine
beforehand."

"Stay by me always, and help me," begged Roland. Eric took the boy's
hand and pressed it, and they went on quietly towards the house.

CHAPTER XVI.

A GOOD NEIGHBOR.

There is many a chance which seems like a summons. Eric and Roland had
spoken of Clodwig on the mountain, and when they reached home, they
found a message from him, saying that he and the Cou