"But what business had you in the place where they found you?"
The Jew shook his head.
"I implore you," said Vandory. "I entreat you——"
"Why shouldn't I say it!" cried Jantshi. "I've sworn to keep the secret; but this woman has abandoned me in my distress, why then should I spare her? Listen! I will tell you. The day before the murder, the Lady Rety and the attorney had a quarrel. He refused to give her the papers which he had taken from Viola. The lady sent for me, and promised me two thousand florins, if I would——"
The curate clasped his hands in astonishment and horror.
"If Viola had not anticipated me," whispered the Jew, "I would have killed the attorney!"
He fell back upon his pillow. Vandory sat silent and lost in thought. Jantshi's tale had filled him with horror, but with hope too, for it held out a chance for Tengelyi. Rising from his seat, he said,
"My friend, thank God that He has given you strength and time to repent and atone for your sins. What you have told me suffices to clear the notary from suspicion; but to make your testimony effectual, you must repeat it in the presence of two witnesses."
"Am I to repeat what I shudder to think of?" said the Jew, mournfully.
"It is your duty. How can you expect God to show you mercy, if you refuse to atone for your sin?"