"How did you penetrate into this room?"
"This morning I met near the castle a slave merchant named Samuel; I had recently bought several slaves from him; he informed me that he was coming here; knowing that it was difficult to obtain access to the palace, I asked Samuel to allow me to accompany him; at first he hesitated; two gold pieces put an end to his hesitation."
"And as the gateman had received orders to admit Samuel and his slaves, you passed along with his merchandise! And did you remain in the room below while the Jew was showing me the two slave girls?"
Loysik nodded his head in the affirmative.
"And after Samuel left the palace?"
"The Jew having informed me that this room was reached from below by the spiral staircase, I came up a short time ago and concealed myself behind the curtain; I was a witness of your conversation with one of your women. I heard everything."
Brunhild looked at the monk with a questioning and threatening mien:
"And so you overheard everything that was said between us?"
"Yes; I listened and heard everything."
"Old man—do you know who Pog and his assistants are?"