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.