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the highest prices for all kinds of labor. Tarras thought the people
would be as anxious to work as formerly, but instead he was much
surprised to learn that they were working for the "merchant." Thinking
to induce them to leave the "merchant," he increased his offers, but the
former, equal to the emergency, also raised the wages of his workmen.
Tarras, having plenty of money, increased the offers still more; but
the "merchant" raised them still higher and got the better of him. Thus,
defeated at every point, Tarras was compelled to abandon the idea of
building.
Tarras next announced that he intended laying out gardens and erecting
fountains, and the work was to be commenced in the fall, but no one
came to offer his services, and again he was obliged to forego his
intentions. Winter set in, and Tarras wanted some sable fur with which
to line his great-coat, and he sent his man to procure it for him; but
the servant returned without it, saying: "There are no sables to be had.
The 'merchant' has bought them all, paying a very high price for them."
Tarras needed horses and sent a messenger to purchase them, but he
returned with the same story as on former occasions--that none were to
be found, the "merchant" having bought them all to carry water for an
artificial pond he was constructing. Tarras was at last compelled to
suspend business, as he could not find any one willing to work for him.
They had all gone over to the "merchant's" side. The only dealings the
people had with Tarras were when they went to pay their taxes. His money
accumulated so fast that he could not find a place to put it, and his
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