"No; I am the son of Benjamin, the youngest of Saul's sons, who died long ago."
Meir did not speak Polish very fluently, yet he made himself understood. He had heard it spoken by those who came to deal with members of his family, and had learned it of the Edomite, who had also taught him to read and write.
"Did Raphael send you to me?"
"No; I came on my own account."
He seemed to collect his thoughts, then boldly raised his head.
"I came to warn you, gracious lord. Bad people are preparing a great misfortune for you—"
Jankiel rushed forward, and, with outstretched arms, placed himself between the two.
"Will you hold your tongue," he shouted. "Why do you come here to disturb the gracious lord with your foolish talk?" and, turning towards the nobleman, he said:
"He is a madman and a villain."
It was not the lord now who waved Jankiel but Meir himself. With heightened colour, breathing quickly, he pushed him away, said: