I supposed that my reputation as a speculator was well enough established to put me above any charge of stupidity.

Do you think that I shall amuse myself by selling my wood at the price of other wood?
_Paul._ You must.
_Pierre._ Simpleton!--Suppose I prevent the bringing of any wood to Paris?
_Paul._ That will alter the case.

But how will you manage it?
_Pierre._ This is the whole secret.

You know that wood pays an entrance duty of ten sous per cord.

To-morrow I will induce the Aldermen to raise this duty to one hundred, two hundred, or three hundred livres, so high as to keep out every fagot.