The Bible was found in his hands. He had long been known to be
a consistent Protestant. What may be my fate, I know not, but my desire
and hope are to share his. Again, I ask you, sir, will you, in the
abundance of your compassion and charity, take charge of this boy--soon,
I verily believe, to be an orphan? Ernst is his Christian name. He
will, in return, I feel sure, serve you well, and prove true and
faithful."

The merchant cast an eye of compassion on the boy. The mother saw the
look, and trusted that she had gained an advantage.

"Oh! take him, sir, take him! I implore you!" she exclaimed, clasping
her hands. "Should he be deprived of his father and me, as I feel sure
he soon will be, though his life may be spared, he may be brought up by
the priests in the fearful errors of the Romish faith. I appeal to you
as a Protestant. Oh! save him from such a fate! I know no one else who
is able to protect him, but you can do so fully and completely. I ask
you not to bestow wealth on him. I will make over all we possess to
you, if I have the power. Let him only labour for you, and be brought
up in the Reformed faith."

While the lady was speaking, the merchant had been considering how far
granting her request might imperil his own position, where his business
led him into constant intercourse with numerous Roman Catholics, and
sometimes even with the very ministers of the Emperor. Still his heart
leaned towards the side of compassion. His features gradually relaxed
as his feelings softened towards the distressed lady and her child.

"Whatever the risk, I will befriend your boy, madam," he said. "Come
here, Ernst; your mother wishes you to trust to me. Lady, I would
gladly afford you also any assistance in my power," he continued,
interrupted, however, by Madame Verner, who poured out before him her
feelings of gratitude.

"I am resolved to share the lot of my husband," she answered. "While he
lives I will not desert him."

"You are a noble lady, and I would not interfere with your purpose,"
said the merchant; "but consider that you will not be, able to aid your
husband, and you may only sacrifice your own life."

"That I am prepared to do," said the lady, rising. "May God reward you,
as you protect my child!"

She pressed the boy to her bosom, again uttered an expression of
gratitude to the merchant, and, not daring to trust herself with another
look at her child, hastened from the room. I was