"Every thing," was the cool reply. "You have both screamed so as to be heard all over the hall. Why do you keep the affair a secret from me? I could have compelled Löbel to give you better terms."
Ehrenthal stared in utter amazement at the audacious youth, and could only bring out, "What does this mean?"
"I know Pinkus well," continued Veitel, determined henceforth to take a part in the game. "If you give him a hundred dollars, he will readily sell you a good mortgage for the baron."
"How should you know any thing about the mortgage?"
"I know enough to help in the matter," replied Itzig; "and I will help you, if you trust me."
Ehrenthal continued to stare and stare, till at last it dawned upon him that his assistant had more coolness and decision than himself. Accordingly, he said, "You are a good creature, Veitel; go and bring in Pinkus; he shall have the hundred dollars."
"I have seen the directions of the councilor's letters: there was one to Commissary Walter."
"I thought so," cried Ehrenthal, with delight. "All right, Itzig; now for Löbel."
"I have to pay five dollars to the councilor's clerk," continued the youth, "and I am to have a ducat for myself."
"All right! you shall have the money; but first I must see Pinkus."