56 WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT.

him go down again, if they pleased, to
his work.

“Indeed, Mr Whittington,” said the
merchant, ‘‘ we are all quite in earnest
with you, and I most heartily rejoice in
the news these gentlemen have brought
you ; for the captain has sold your cat to

the King of Barbary, and brought you ©

in return for her more riches than I
possess in the whole world ; and I wish
you may long enjoy them |”

Mr Fitzwarren then told the men to |

open the great treasure they had brought
with them ; and said: “‘ Mr Whittington

has nothing to do but to put it in some

place of safety.”

Poor Dick hardly knew how to behave |

himself for joy. He begged his master
to take what part of it he pleased, since
he owed it all to his kindness. <‘‘ No,
no,” answered Mr Fitzwarren, “this is
all your own; and I have no doubt but
you will use it well.”

Dick next asked his mistress, and then
Miss Alice, to accept a part of his good
fortune ; but they would not, and at the