A violent blow on the street-door was now heard.
“I will go to the door,” said Aleph, “and if I need any help you will discover it, as I will leave the passage open so that you can hear what is passing.”
Taking his cane, he proceeded to the door; and, bidding the door-keeper undo the fastenings, he suddenly set the door widely open and stood in its place.
This was unexpected. Antis was just in the act of repeating his blow on the door, but suddenly finding himself confronted by a formidable looking man instead of a door, he stepped hastily backward.
“What do you seek,” demanded Aleph, fixing on the man a stern eye, “that you knock in so unbecoming a manner?”
“I seek the possession of my own house,” said the fellow sullenly.
“Are you the owner of this house? I think you will hardly venture to claim that.”
“I claim that I have purchased the right of an owner, so far as occupying this house is concerned, for one month, and that it is the will of the owner that I have possession at once.”
“Show me that such is the will of the owner.”
Antis produced a paper and handed it to Aleph.