"It is better to arrange everything beforehand. I shall have to buy a hundred head of cattle for fattening purposes, and I cannot afford the outlay unless I am sure of the tenancy. If the gracious lord permits, I shall come to-morrow to write the agreement."
The young nobleman rose.
"Very well, come to-morrow, but not in the morning, as I shall not be at home."
"The gracious lord thinks of spending the night in the neighbourhood?" asked Jankiel, his face twitching nervously.
"Yes, in the near neighbourhood," answered the nobleman, and was going to say something more when the door behind Jankiel's back opened gently, and a young Jew, with a pale face and burning eyes, entered boldly.
At the sight of the newcomer Jankiel drew back instinctively, and an expression of terror came into his face.
"What do you want here?" he asked in a choking voice.
The nobleman glanced carelessly at the young Jew.
"Do you want to speak to me, my friend?" he asked.
"Yes, with the gracious lord," said the newcomer, and he advanced a few steps nearer. But Jankiel barred him the way.