At this moment I might speculate boldly, and safely too; but all my money being locked up, I must lose a clear four thousand." The baron listened attentively; the trader went on: "You have known me, baron, for years past, to be a man of honor, and of some substance too; and now I will make a proposition to you.

Lend me for three months ten thousand dollars' worth of promissory notes, and I will give you a bill of exchange, which is as good as money.

The speculation should bring in four thousand dollars, and that I will divide with you in lieu of interest.

You will run no risk; if I fail, I will bear the loss myself, and pay back the principal in three months." However uninteresting these words may appear to the reader, they threw the baron into such a state of joyous excitement that he could scarce command himself sufficiently to say, "First of all, I must know what sort of a bargain it is that you wish to drive with my money." Ehrenthal explained.

The offer of purchasing a quantity of wood had been made to him, which wood lay on a raft in an upper part of the province.