They buy the cattle and grain of the peasants, for what they choose to give for them, and send them out of the country, getting all the profits of the transaction; while, as to the nobles, there is scarce one who is not deep in their books." "Still, you could not do without them," Stanislas said.

"There must be somebody to buy and to sell, and as the nobles won't do it, and the peasants can't, I don't see that the foreigners are to be blamed for coming in and taking the trade." "That is true enough," the landlord admitted reluctantly.

"Still, there is no doubt the country is kept poor, while, between them, these men gather up the harvest." "Better that than let it rot upon the ground," Stanislas said unconcernedly; and then, having obtained the name of the street where several of the Scottish traders had places of business, he and Charlie started on foot.

They were not long in finding the shop with the sign of the merchant swinging over the door.
"You had better wait outside, Stanislas, while I go in and see the master.

No; if he is not in the shop, his men will not understand me, so come in with me till you see that I have met him, and then go back to the inn for the night.