"
"And yet, my friend, it is only fair that a man who borrows money should
be prepared to pay it back."
"I could pay you back if you gave me time. But you have no heart, you
Jews. What do you care if we starve, so long as--"
"Hush!" said Amos, gravely; "I have dealt fairly by you. But I will let
you go free on one condition."
"And that is?"
"That you give me the child."
Gregorio stood speechless with horror and rage at the window, and the
old man walked across the room to where the infant lay.
"I have no young son, Gregorio Livadas, and I will take yours. Not
only will I forgive you the debt, but I will give you money. I want the
child."
"By God, you shall not touch him!" cried Gregorio, suddenly finding
voice for his passion.
He rushed furiously at Amos, gripped him by the throat, and flung him
to the far side of the room. Then he stood by his child with his arms
folded on his breast, his eyes flashing and his nostrils dilated. Amos
quickly recovered himself, and, in a voice that scarcely trembled, again
demanded his money.
"Go away," shouted Gregorio; "if you come here again, I will kill you.
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