But to-day, and out of this deed, I pluck both warning and riches--both the power and a fresh resolve to be myself.

I become in all things a free actor in the world; I begin to see myself all changed, these hands the agents of good, this heart at peace.

Something comes over me out of the past; something of what I have dreamed on Sabbath evenings to the sound of the church organ, of what I forecast when I shed tears over noble books, or talked, an innocent child, with my mother.

There lies my life; I have wandered a few years, but now I see once more my city of destination.' 'You are to use this money on the Stock Exchange, I think ?' remarked the visitor; 'and there, if I mistake not, you have already lost some thousands ?' 'Ah,' said Markheim, 'but this time I have a sure thing.' 'This time, again, you will lose,' replied the visitor quietly.
'Ah, but I keep back the half!' cried Markheim.
'That also you will lose,' said the other.
The sweat started upon Markheim's brow.

'Well, then, what matter ?' he exclaimed.