Sometimes Satan tempted him to pride when Garman and Worse did a good stroke of business, or to wrath and indignation when Romarino came and asked for money or endorsements.
The devil even made use of Thomas Randulf to corrupt him. One day, when Worse met him in the market-place, opposite his street door, he hurried back into his house; for it seemed to him as if Randulf had long, crooked claws.
It was best to be at home, especially if Sarah was there. There, if he was very vigilant, he was able to keep the devil at arms' length.
All this time, however, his malady was gaining ground; he slept badly, and his appetite failed him. The only thing he relished was pea-soup and salt pork, such as he had been accustomed to at sea, and he brightened up every morning when he smelt the peas in the kitchen.
One day, however, it occurred to him that this, too, might be one of the temptations of the evil one, leading his thoughts away from the one thing needful, and back to the sinful recollections of his past life.
The next time the pea-soup was placed on the table, he could scarcely touch it.
The devil was in the peas, too.
CHAPTER XIV
"MY DEAR CHRISTIAN FREDERIK,