had been used to do, but to remain close to the fold; for since the wolf came to it, that would be the surest place to catch him.  Every week we had an alarm; and one dark night I contrived to get a sight of the wolves, from which it was so impossible to guard the fold.  I crouched behind a bank; the rest of the dogs ran forward; and from my lurking-place I saw and heard how two shepherds picked out one of the fattest wethers, and slaughtered it in such a manner, that it really appeared next morning as if the executioner had been a wolf.  I was horror-struck, when I saw that the shepherds themselves were the wolves, and that the flock was plundered by the very men who had the keeping of it.  As usual, they made known to their master the mischief done by the wolf, gave him the skin and part of the carcase, and ate the rest, and that the choicest part, themselves.  As usual, they had a scolding, and the dogs a beating.  Thus there were no wolves, yet the flock dwindled away, and I was dumb, all which filled me with amazement and anguish.  O Lord! said I to myself, who can ever remedy this villany?  Who will have the power to make known that the defence is offensive, the sentinels sleep, the trustees rob, and those who guard you kill you?

Scip. You say very true, Berganza; for there is no worse or more subtle thief than the domestic thief; and accordingly there die many more of those who are trustful than of those who are wary.  But the misfortune is, that it is impossible for people to get on in the world in any tolerable way without mutual confidence.  However, let us drop this subject:  there is no need that we should be evermore preaching.  Go on.

Berg. I determined then to quit that service, though it seemed so good a one, and to choose another, in which well-doing, if not rewarded, was at least not punished.  I went back to Seville, and entered the service of a very rich merchant.

Scip. How did you set about getting yourself a master?  As things are now-a-days, an honest man has great difficulty in finding an employer.  Very different are the lords of the earth from the Lord of Heaven; the former, before they will accept a servant, first scrutinise his birth and parentage, examine into his qualifications, and even require to know what clothes he has got; but for entering the service of God, the poorest is the richest, the humblest is the best born; and whoso is but disposed to serve him in purity of heart is at once entered in his book of wages, and has such assigned to him as his utmost desire can hardly compass, so ample are they.

Berg. All this is preaching, Scipio.

Scip. Well, it strikes me that it is.  So go on.