"I must go myself. Who can be so importunate, on this dark, wretched night? No robber would be so bold!" and grasping the lamp, he glided softly toward the front door. He turned the bolt cautiously, and opening the door a little, peered out.
"Come, Mordecai, open the door," said a friendly voice without. "Do you suspect thieves this foul night? No wonder."
Mr. Mordecai opened the door wider and saw Rabbi Abrams, and a man so disguised that he could not tell whether it was any one he knew.
"What do you want, my friend?" he said kindly.
"Want you to go with us, Mordecai," replied the rabbi, drawing closer his cloak, which the wind was trying to tear away.
"Go where?" asked Mr. Mordecai in consternation. "Only the devils themselves could stand, such a night as this."
"Come, be quiet, my friend. I am summoned by this unknown friend, to go with him to see a certain person who must see me, must see you, too. That's all I know. Come along."
"Don't wait, my friend, time is precious," said the muffled voice of the unknown man.
Mr. Mordecai frowned and shrugged his shoulders dubiously.
"Fear no evil, my friend, but come with me," continued the stranger in a reassuring tone.