‘Are you a Russian?’
‘I was born in Poland, but have been trading in Constantinople and the Levant for many years.’
‘You are good for a deal in a big way?’
‘Yes.’
‘And can be secret?’
‘As the grave.’
At this point the door opened, and Blok’s companions of the previous night entered. They looked at Blok inquiringly, then at the Jew suspiciously.
‘He’s right,’ said Blok. Then turning to the Jew, he continued: ‘Now look here, Israel Nikolai, you say you can command money?’
‘Yes, to any extent.’
‘Very well; now, we’ve got some stuff to sell, and we are going to take you to see it. The stuff is contraband, therefore you must be careful. And if you play us false, just as sure as God Almighty is up in heaven, your throat will be cut, and your dirty carcase will be flung into the river Maskva.’