“But when I tell you my name, you will know who I am. Julius—Count Julius....”
“Are you—Count Julius?”
“I am he, whose daughter Florinda was brought up in Toledo, and fell into the hands of King Roderick, the robber and lecher. Can I see you in your chamber? We have much to say to each other!”
Eleazar hesitated, although both, as injured fathers of lost children, had much in common. He was afraid of the Christians, who had begun to persecute the Jews. The Count understood that, but did not withdraw his proposal, for he seemed to have a special object in his visit.
“Let me into your chamber, and I will tell you, in three words, a secret that concerns us both.”
Eleazar did not yield, but began to parley.
“Say one word, a single word to convince me,” he asked.
“Oppas! there is one for you.”
Eleazar opened his eyes, but asked for yet another one.
“Zijad’s son.”