58 Fred the Apprentice.

conscience now that he was acting in a straight-
forward, conscientious manner, with no conceal-
ments from his employer.

Fred then rapidly wrote his letter. Without
mentioning any names, he clearly explained the
position in which matters stood, and asked his
young friend what could be done under the cir-
cumstances to avert the impending ruin. The
letter was posted, and Fred awaited the answer.
As Mr. Kartmann said nothing more about the
matter,—in fact, he did not seem to consider it
of the slightest importance, and had probably
nearly forgotten it, absorbed as he was in his
own affairs—Fred did not allude to it. Day
after day passed away, until there remained buta
few days more before Mr. Kartmann would have
to decide whether he would have to wind up his
business or not. As the time drew nearer, Mr.
Kartmann grew more and more gloomy and
silent in his manner. Nevertheless, Fred, though
his hopes of help from his young acquaintance
necessarily grew fainter, still hoped on, as he did
not place reliance upon earthly sources only.
He remembered the words in the forty-sixth
Psalm, and often repeated them to himself, and

und continual support and comfort in them:
‘uod is our refuge and strength, a very present