source have been
diminishing; and we think of giving up the fishery, unless our prospects
in that quarter improve after a further trial. In the meantime, having
a vacant situation in the counting-house at Enkhuizen, we thought of
Mr. Ernest Van Brandt, and offered him the opportunity of renewing his
connection with us, in the capacity of a clerk. He is related to one of
my partners; but I am bound in truth to tell you that he is a very bad
man. He has awarded us for our kindness to him by embezzling our
money; and he has taken to flight--in what direction we have not
yet discovered. The English lady and her child are left deserted at
Enkhuizen; and until you came here to-day we were quite at a loss to
know what to do with them. I don't know whether you are already aware
of it, sir; but the lady's position is made doubly distressing by doubts
which we entertain of her being really Mr. Ernest Van Brandt's wife. To
our certain knowledge, he was privately married to another woman some
years since; and we have no evidence whatever that the first wife
is dead. If we can help you in any way to assist your unfortunate
country-woman, pray believe that our services are at your disposal."

With what breathless interest I listened to these words it is needless
to say. Van Brandt had deserted her! Surely (as my poor mother had once
said) "she must turn to me now." The hopes that had abandoned me filled
my heart once more; the future which I had so long feared to contemplate
showed itself again bright with the promise of coming happiness to my
view. I thanked the good merchant with a fervor that surprised him.
"Only help me to find my way to Enkhuizen," I said, "and I will answer
for the rest."

"The journey will put you to some expense," the merchant replied.
"Pardon me if I ask the question bluntly. Have you money?"

"Plenty of money."

"Very good. The rest will be easy enough. I will place you under the
care of a countryman of yours, who has been employed in our office for
many years. The easiest way for you, as a stranger, will be to go by
sea; and the Englishman will show you where to hire a boat."

In a few minutes more the clerk and I were on our way to the harbor.

Difficulties which I had not anticipated occurred in finding the boat
and in engaging a crew. This done, it was next necessary to purchase
provisions for the voyage. Thanks to the experience of my companion, and
to the hearty good-will with which he exerted