Poverty and misfortune had now stepped in to purify and direct a smitten conscience.
He could not see his daughter further disgraced.

Nor could he meet her in a court, giving testimony in conflict with his, and exposing his crime.

He could only escape by coming out boldly, and doing justice to the old man he had tried so hard to wrong.

It would also be to his advantage to assume this virtue, for if the case were decided against Hanz he would gain nothing.

The creditors would in that case get all the property, whereas, if he confessed his partnership in, and exposed the plot, and defeated the creditors, some benefit might result from it--at some time.