Here, sir, take them, I
implore you," pulling from his breast a large pocket-book; "they are
untouched. Spare but my life, and I will yet atone--Oh, spare me from a
shameful death."
There was a pause, broken at last by Yansen's saying significantly to
his employer, "as per margin."
The merchant turned to the unhappy young man. "Take heart," said he,
"'Wenn die noth ist amgroeszten die huelfe ist am naechsten.'[11] There's
an old German proverb for you. Sit down and hear what I have to say. I
think myself not a little fortunate in so soon being able to fulfil the
wishes of my English correspondents; your natural alarm did not suffer
you to finish their letter; you will perceive how generously they mean
to act; their house's credit saved, they intend not to punish you. Read,
read; and Yansen, order some eatables, and a bottle or two of my old
Heidelberg hock, trouble always makes me thirsty--three glasses, my good
Yansen."
[11] When things are at the worst they must mend.
Again the young Englishman hid his face, and sighed convulsively, "I do
not deserve this lenity. My excellent father! this is a tribute to your
virtue.
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