plenty of money, increased the offers still more; but
the "merchant" raised them still higher and got the better of him. Thus,
defeated at every point, Tarras was compelled to abandon the idea of
building.

Tarras next announced that he intended laying out gardens and erecting
fountains, and the work was to be commenced in the fall, but no one
came to offer his services, and again he was obliged to forego his
intentions. Winter set in, and Tarras wanted some sable fur with which
to line his great-coat, and he sent his man to procure it for him; but
the servant returned without it, saying: "There are no sables to be had.
The 'merchant' has bought them all, paying a very high price for them."

Tarras needed horses and sent a messenger to purchase them, but he
returned with the same story as on former occasions--that none were to
be found, the "merchant" having bought them all to carry water for an
artificial pond he was constructing. Tarras was at last compelled to
suspend business, as he could not find any one willing to work for him.
They had all gone over to the "merchant's" side. The only dealings the
people had with Tarras were when they went to pay their taxes. His money
accumulated so fast that he could not find a place to put it, and his
life became miserable. He abandoned all idea of entering upon the new
venture, and only thought of how to exist peaceably. This he found
it difficult to do, for, turn which way he would, fresh obstacles
confronted him. Even his cooks, coachmen, and all his other servants
forsook him and joined the "merchant." With all his wealth he had
nothing to eat, and when he went to market he found the "merchant" had
been there before him and had bought up all the provisions. Still, the
people continued to bring him money.

Tarras at last became so indignant that he ordered the "merchant" out
of his kingdom. He left, but settled just outside the boundary line, and
continued his business with the same result as before, and Tarras was
frequently forced to go without food for days. It was rumored that the
"merchant" wanted to buy even Tarras himself. On hearing this the latter
became very much alarmed and could not decide as to the best course to
pursue.

About this time his brother Simeon arrived in the kingdom, and said:
"Help me, for I have been defeated and ruined by the Indian Viceroy."

Tarras replied: "How can I help you, when I have had no food myself for
two days?"

CHAPTER XI