I myself thought as you do, child--at least in part; and today I visited my warehouses, to look over my goods and see what there were to fetch when men will dare to buy things which have lain within the walls of this doomed city all these months.

I had the keys of the place.

I myself locked them up when the plague forced me to close my warehouse and dismiss my men.

I saw all made sure, as I thought, with my own eyes.

But what think you I found there today ?" "O father! what ?" asked Gertrude, and yet she divined the answer all too well; for she had heard stories of robbery and daring wickedness even during this season of judgment and punishment which prepared her for the worst.
"That the whole place had been plundered; that there was nothing left of any price whatever.