oy

Frederick's Gratitude. 53

of these bankrupt firms had not crippled my
means. I fear that there is little hope for me,’
concluded Mr. Kartmann, shaking his head ;
‘however, you will be a better judge of this
question after you have examined my private
books. They alone can give you an exact idea
of my position and losses.’

So saying, he opened the books in question
for the inspection of Fred, who looked over
them with a sinking heart. There were no
errors in the figures. They showed only too
plainly the cause of the disorder in Mr. Kart-
mann’s affairs; but even at this moment Fred
was thinking of a remedy.

After having ended his painful interview with
Mr. Kartmann, he went to his own room, and,
quite bewildered, threw himself into an arm-chair.

‘In two months,’ said he, ‘the business will
be wound up, and it and the premises sold. In
two short months! What is to bedone? How
is it possible, in so short a space of time, to
carry out a plan to make Mr. Kartmann able
to compete with his wealthy rivals in manufac-
turing these goods as cheaply and as well, and
so save him from ruin, and his family from
misery. Human aid seems hopeless; we must
trust in'God, and ask His help.’