One day he learned that his father was dead; he hastened to the old tavern in order to succeed to the inheritance.

He was not aware that for two years old Jeremiah Brohl had been in his dotage, and that his debtors mocked him while devouring his substance.

A fine inheritance! it was diminished to two or three rickety chairs, four cracked walls that scarcely could stand upright, and some jewellery concealed in a hiding-place that Samuel knew of.

Old Jeremiah never had been able to dispose of it for the price he required, and he preferred to keep it rather than lower his charge.

He had principles, which was well for Samuel, as the jewellery was useful to him.