w how to use his money. He spent it at the
alehouse; and at last, when the money in the pockets of Fat
Hesekiel, for some reason, was low, he was unable to pay his debts,
and the bailiffs came to take him to prison.

[Illustration: PETER AND THE MANIKIN.]

In his troubles he resolved to go again into the deep forest, and
seek the aid of the forest gnomes.

"If the good little gnome will not help me," he said, "the big one
will."

As he passed along, ashamed of his conduct in not having better
deserved of the good fairy, he began to cry,--

"Michael the Dutchman! Michael the Dutchman!"

In a few moments the giant raftsman stood before him.

"You've come to me at last," he said. "Go with me to my house, and I
will show you how I can be of service to you."

Peter followed the giant to some steep rocks, and down into an
abyss; there was the gnome's palace.

"Your difficulties come from _here_," said the gnome, placing his
hands over the young man's heart. "Let me have your heart, and you
shall have riches."

"Give you my heart?" said Peter; "I should die."

"No; follow me."

He led Peter into a great closet, where were jars filled with
liquid. In them were the hearts of many who had become rich. Among
them were the hearts of the King of the Dancers and of Fat Hesekiel.

"The hinderance to wealth is feeling. I have taken, as you see, the
hearts of these rich men. I have replaced them by hearts of stone.
You see how _they_ flourish. _You_ may do the same."

[Illustration: PETER SURPASSED THE KING OF DANCERS.]

"A heart of stone must feel very cold within," said Peter.

"But what is the use of a heart of feeling, with poverty? Give me
your heart, and I will make you rich."

"Agreed," said Peter.

The giant gave him a drug, which caused stupor. When Peter awoke
from the stupor his heart seemed cold. He put his hand on his
breast: there was no motion. Then he knew that he had indeed a heart
of stone.

Nothing now brought him pleasure or delight. He loved nothing;
pitied no one's misfortunes. Beauty was nothing. He cared not for
relatives or friends; but he had money, money. The supply never
failed.

He travelled over the world, but everything seemed dead to him.
Sentiment was dead within him. He lied, he cheated. He filled many
homes with wretchedness and ruin.

At last he became weary of life.

[Illustra