146 THE MERCHANT’S DREAM.

 

and it was given to him. Then he retired.
Shortly after, a dealer in provisions stopped
at the humble dwelling, and liberally sup-
plied the wants of its occupants. He re-
ceived his pay, and drove off, singing gay-
ly, while the old woman and the child
looked contented and happy.

“Come,” said his conductor, and Algeron
left the cottage. The scene had changed.
He was no longer in the open country, but
surrounded by small houses. It was a
village. Along the streets of this they
walked for some time, until they came to a
store, which they entered. Standing be-
side the counter was the same man who
had bought the cottagers’ silk. He had
many parcels, which he had collected from
many cottages; and now he was passing
them over to the storekeeper, who was as
ready to buy as he was to sell. .

“ Another link in the great chain,” re-
marked the mysterious companion signifi-
cantly. “See how they depend the one
upon the other. Can the hermit in his