If you should be able to find him, we have to request you will use your utmost endeavours to regain possession of the bills named in the margin; but, as we have a high respect for the father of the unfortunate young man, we will further thank you to procure for him a passage on board the first vessel sailing for Batavia, paying the expense of his voyage, and giving him the sum of two hundred louis d’or, which you will place to our account current, on condition that he does not attempt to revisit England till he receives permission so to do.

“We are, most respected friend,

“Your obedient servants,

“BENNETT, FORD, AND CO.

“Mynheer Von Kapell.”

“My life on’t,” said Yansen, “’tis the very lad I saw this day, walking up and down in front of the Exchange, who appeared half out of his wits; looking anxiously for some particular object, yet shunning general observation:  his person answers the description.”

“That’s fortunate,” said the merchant, “you must devote the morrow to searching for him; bring him to me if possible, and I’ll do my utmost to serve my excellent friends, Bennett and Ford of London.”

Early next morning, Yansen went to the Exchange, and kept an anxious watch for many hours in vain; he was returning hopeless, when he saw the identical youth coming out of the door of a Jew money-changer; he brushed hastily past him, exclaiming, “The unconscionable scoundrel! seventy per cent, for bills on the best house in England!”

Yansen approached him.  “Young gentleman,” said he, in a very mild tone, “you appear to have met with some disappointment from that griping wretch, Levi.  If you have any business to transact, my house is close by; I shall be happy to treat with you.”

“Willingly,” replied the youth, “the sooner the better.  I must leave Hamburgh at day-break.”

The clerk led him to the house of the merchant, and entered it by a small side door, desiring the young man to be seated, whilst he gave some directions.  In a few minutes he reappeared, bringing Von Kapell with him.  The worthy Hamburgher having no talent for a roundabout way of doing business, said bluntly, “So Mynheer! we are well met; it will be useless to attempt disguise with me; look at this!” and he put into his hand the letter he had the night before received.

Overwhelmed with consternation, the young man fell at his feet.

“Oh heaven!” he cried, “I am lost for ever—­my father, my indulgent, my honourable father, is heart-broken and disgraced by my villany.  My mother!” Here he became nearly inaudible, and hid his face in his hands.  “You,” he continued, “are spared all participation in the agony your wretched son is suffering.”

“Boy, boy!” said the merchant, raising him, and quite melted at this show of penitence, “listen to me! are the bills safe? if so, you may still hope.”

“They are,” eagerly exclaimed the youth; “how fortunate that I did not listen to the offers of that rapacious Jew.  Here, sir, take them, I implore you,” pulling from his breast a large pocket-book; “they are untouched.  Spare but my life, and I will yet atone—­Oh, spare me from a shameful death.”