Frederick's Gratitude. ca

way was opened to him, by the leadings of
Providence, by which he might see his way
through the present difficulties. Had not the
letter come at this time, he would never have
thought of the plan. In fact, he had, it might
be said, forgotten for the moment the very exist-
ence of so slight an acquaintance. The young
man who thus occasionally corresponded with
him would be of all others the best able to help
him. The firm to which the young partner
belonged manufactured mill-machinery on the
most extensive scale, At first Fred thought of
going to Mr. Kartmann and suggesting to him
to write to this firm, explaining his condition,
and soliciting their advice and assistance. On
second thoughts, Fred considered that it was
safer to say nothing about it for the present to
Mr. Kartmann, who most likely would only
shrink from the idea of exposing the ruinous
state of his affairs to strangers, who, after all,
might in reply merely express their great re-
gret at not being able to assist him under the
peculiar circumstances.

Mr. Kartmann would naturally not feel inclined
to make an exposure of the critical position of
his business, if he were not first sure that the
persons to whom he made it were inclined as