among the happy multitude.

Next morning Bendel told me in confidence that the suspicions he had
long entertained of Rascal's honesty were now reduced to a
certainty; he had yesterday embezzled many bags of gold.

"Never mind," said I; "let him enjoy his paltry booty. I like to
spend it; why should not he? Yesterday he, and all the newly-
engaged servants whom you had hired, served me honourably, and
cheerfully assisted me to enjoy the banquet."

No more was said on the subject. Rascal remained at the head of my
domestics. Bendel was my friend and confidant; he had by this time
become accustomed to look upon my wealth as inexhaustible, without
seeking to inquire into its source. He entered into all my schemes,
and effectually assisted me in devising methods of spending my
money.

Of the pale, sneaking scoundrel--the unknown--Bendel only knew thus
much, that he alone had power to release me from the curse which
weighed so heavily on me, and yet that I stood in awe of him on whom
all my hopes rested. Besides, I felt convinced that he had the
means of discovering ME under any circumstances, while he himself
remained concealed. I therefore abandoned my fruitless inquiries,
and patiently awaited the appointed day.

The magnificence of my banquet, and my deportment on the occasion,
had but strengthened the credulous townspeople in their previous
belief.