"Poor Dumah!" said Amzi, "singing his thoughts as usual. What now, Dumah? Who is weeping?"
"A poor Jewess," said the boy, "and her two children cling to her gown and weep too. Ah, if Dumah had power he would soon set him free."
"Set whom free?" asked Yusuf.
"The father; they say he took the cup to buy bread; but for the sake of the children, Dumah would set him free."
"Oh, it is only a case of stealing down in the Jewish quarter," said Amzi, carelessly.
"Yet," returned the other, "a weeping mother and helpless children should appeal to the heart of Amzi the benevolent. Let us turn aside and see what it is about. Dumah, lead us."
They followed the boy to the hall or court-room of the city. A judge sat on a raised dais; witnesses were below, and the owner of the gold cup was talking excitedly and calling loudly for justice.
"There is the culprit," whispered Amzi.
Yusuf was struck dumb. It was Nathan, the Christian Jew! Agony was written in his face, yet there was patience in it too. His arms were bound, and his head was bent in what might have been interpreted as humiliation.
"Once more," cried the judge, "have you aught to say for yourself, Jew?"