The poor Jew was happy to find he was to go in the schuit, for he was scarcely able to walk on account of an ague. We then went on board, and while we were standing at a distance from the rest, we had the following conversation.
WILLIAM.
I perceive, Grandison, what your generous heart meditates; you intend to give the poor boy the five guilders, which they promised him for his wares.
CHARLES.
No, this trick, or rather vile deceit, raises my indignation; I think that they deserve to be punished, to teach them more thought and humanity in future. The haughty baron shall pay the five guilders himself, or I am much mistaken. You may recollect that I asked the skipper if he had not heard them bargain for the basket, and an honest man, you know, also offered to bear witness: if I was to pay the money, it would be a kind of encouragement of the cheat, and perhaps heighten the jest. It is our duty, as much as we can, to assist our fellow-creatures, and to hinder one man from injuring another.
WILLIAM.
You excite my wonder; I had not extended my thoughts so far.
CHARLES.
It is not the loss of the five guilders that will affect the baron; a person so rich, as the skipper informs us he is, cannot think much of such a small sum; but he will, at least if he has any virtue, be ashamed of his foolish conduct: it shall be made public; his own companions will blush for him, and the joke will be turned against himself.
WILLIAM.