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and very rich, supposed this fetch was only a device to marry his daughter, or some kinswoman of his, consented. Upon this he bid him come next morning, where he would have the writings ready, and on signing he should have the money.—So they parted, and the gentleman delayed not coming, without asking advice, and was as punctually met, but when he saw the writing was in blood, he began to start; but the old man told him it was only a whim of his own to have it so, to distinguish it from other men's, and put his debtors more in mind to repay the money he had lent them. Upon this and the gentleman seeing store of gold, he believed him.—But, said he, shall I write with the same?— Oh, said the other, I'll prick your right vein; and so he did, whilst the gentleman found an unusual trembling and inward remorse in his mind: however, taking the bloody pen in his hand, he subscribed.
Then, telling all the money into the bag, he took his leave, and departed: but he laughed to think how he would find him out, since he had never asked him where he lived.
Soon after he summoned his creditors, paid them to a farthing, and recovered his esteem again. But as he was looking over
the
