"One thing! Before I touch this money, is there blood on it?"
"High hands only," said the sullen brigand; but the youngest protested.
"Indeed, yes," he said, "there is blood upon it. Look, see, and behold!"
He bared a breast on which the skin was fine and satiny like a woman's, and they saw in the firelight the cicatrice of a newly healed wound.
"A few drops of mine," he said proudly. "May they bring the money luck."
"One thing more," said Asabri; "I have said that I will mend your fortunes. What sum apiece would make you comfortable for the rest of your days and teach you to see the evil in your present manner of life?"
"If the money were to be doubled," said the sullen brigand, "then each of us could have what he most desires."
"And what is that?" asked the banker.
"For me," said the sullen brigand, "there is a certain piece of land upon which are grapes, figs, and olives."