"It is kind of you to come, for doubtless you wish to pay me what is
owing."
"I wish to pay you."
"That is well. I hope you are better again. I regretted to find you so
ill two nights ago."
"I am better."
The conversation ceased, for Gregorio was restless and his fingers
itched to do their work. Something in his manner alarmed Amos, for he
summoned in two of his servants and raised himself slightly, as if the
better to avoid an attack. But he continued to smoke calmly, watching
the Greek under his half-closed lids.
"I have another piece of business to settle with you."
"Do you want to borrow more money because I refuse to lend you any?"
"No; it is you who have borrowed, and I have come to you to receive back
my own."
"I fail to understand you."
Gregorio tried to keep calm, but it was not possible. Rising to his
feet, he bent over the Jew and cried out:
"Give me back my son, you Jew dog!"
"Your son is not here."
"You lie! by God, you lie! If he is not here you have murdered him."
"Madman!" shouted Amos, as the Greek's knife flashed from its sheath;
but before he or his servants could stay the uplifted arm the Jew sank
back among his cushions, wounded to the heart.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232