will trouble his peace, and make another's possessions the burden of
his life."

"But that will not benefit you," said Mr. Fanshaw. "His suffering
will not make good your loss."

"My loss is made good already. I have no complaint against
Providence. My compensation is a hundredfold. For dross I have gold.
I and mine needed the discipline of misfortune, and it came through
the perfidy of a friend. That false friend, selfish and
grasping--seeing in money the greatest good--was permitted to
consummate his evil design. That his evil will punish him, I am
sure; and in the pain of his punishment, he may be led to
reformation. If he continue to hide the stolen fox, it will tear his
vitals. If he lets it go, he will scarcely venture upon a second
theft. In either event, the wrong he was permitted to do will be
turned into discipline; and my hardest wish in regard to him is,
that the discipline may lead to repentance and a better life."

"Your faith and patience," said Mr. Fanshaw, as he held the old
man's hand in parting, "rebuke my restless disbelief. I thank you
for having opened to my mind a new region of thought--for having
made some things clear that have always been dark. I am sure that
our meeting to-day is not a simple accident. I have been led here,
and for a good purpose."

As Mr. Fanshaw and Mr. Wilkins left the poor man's lodgings, the
former said--

"I know the false wretch who ruined your friend."