'What I paid for it myself. Two hundred roubles.'
The horse was well worth twice---perhaps even three times that sum.
Tchertop-hanov turned away and yawned feverishly.
'And the money... when?' he asked, scowling furiously and not looking at the Jew.
'When your ex-shelency thinks fit.'
Tchertop-hanov flung his head back, but did not raise his eyes. 'That's no answer. Speak plainly, son of Herod! Am I to be under an obligation to you, hey?'
'Well, let's say, then,' the Jew hastened to add, 'in six months' time... Do you agree?'
Tchertop-hanov made no reply.
The Jew tried to get a look at his face. 'Do you agree? You permit him to be led to your stable?'
'The saddle I don't want,' Tchertop-hanov blurted out abruptly. 'Take the saddle--do you hear?'