the black man had made a bargain with a merchant . he had promised him that all goods which he might buy he should sell again within three weeks ' time at a handsome profit . but , if he had prospered , after seven years had passed he was to be the devil 's own . and he did prosper , for no matter what manner of old trash the merchant bought , and if it were no more than an old worn - out fur coat , he was always able to sell it again , and always at a profit . kitta grau came into his shop and showed him the handsome shoes the evil one had given her .
the devil .
to whom would the merchant belong if he was prosperous ?
to whom would the merchant belong if he was prosperous ?