"In the devil's name, yes," cried the lieutenant. "I own the debt, though I did not receive the half of it in cash."
Veitel locked up the papers in his desk, and, with a shrug of his shoulders, said ironically, "At all events, I have paid the whole sum to the parties herein named. Accordingly, I shall summon you to pay me to-morrow and the next day."
The officer was silent for a while, and a flush slowly overspread his sunken cheeks. At last, after a hard struggle, he began: "I beg of you, Mr. Itzig, to give me a little more time."
Veitel took up his amber pipe and leisurely turned it round. "I can give you no further credit," said he.
"Come, Itzig, be reasonable," said the officer, with forced familiarity. "I shall very probably soon be able to pay you."
"You will have as little money in a few weeks' time as you have now," replied Veitel, rudely.
"I am ready to write an I.O.U. for a larger sum, if you will have patience."
"I never enter into any transactions of the kind," lied Veitel.
"I will procure you an acknowledgment of the debt from my father."
"The Baron Rothsattel would obtain as little credit with me as yourself."