56 Lred the Apprentice.

well as able to be of use to him. Who could
know this?

Fred would say nothing to Mr. Kartmann; he
himself would write to his young acquaintance.
He was not sure that he was doing right in thus
informing a comparative stranger of Mr. Kart-
mann’s affairs without permission ; and, after he
had written a letter, in which he fully explained
all, he was so perplexed what to do for the best,
that he instinctively felt his only hope of seeing
his way clearly, was to pray to God for help
and support under the present trial. Comforted
and refreshed by a short but fervent prayer, his
mind was able to reflect calmly far better than
before. He thought of the command, ‘And as
ye would that men should do to you, do ye also
to them likewise.’

Fred pressed his hand upon his brow, as if in
intense thought. ‘Let me argue calmly,’ thought
he, ‘and according to this divine precept. If
the affair were mine, should I like it exposed
to other people without my consent? No! It
is clear, then, that I am not justified in mention-
ing Mr. Kartmann’s name without his consent.
This letter cannot go!’ He reflected for some
minutes. ‘Shall I write at all? Yes. Shall
T tell Mr. Kartmann? Yes. What does our