"You are eloquent, Jacob; but you generalize too much. You forget that the right of conversation is open to all. I refer you to the Talmud, which you quote so often."
"The hour for the Bourse draws nigh, and we have decided nothing," cried another.
"That which is difficult," said Bartold, "is to decide, with the meagre information we possess. One cannot foresee how things will turn out. We must wait. I wish, like Jacob, to follow the right, but on condition that it does not lead to a precipice; I admit the necessity of sacrifices when something is gained thereby, but I do not approve of useless sacrifices."
"All sacrifice bears its fruit sooner or later," replied Jacob.
"You return to your mysticisms. Our debate is ended."
"Result: nothing, as usual," concluded Simon.
"One word more," said Mann. "It has been said that we cannot foresee how events will terminate. Some one of us should seek admittance to the revolutionary meetings and observe what is going on; that may enlighten us. Prudence dictates this precaution. Jacob, will you undertake it?"
"No, Monsieur Mann. I am not a revolutionist, and I refuse to lend myself to the rôle of a spy even for our cause."
"What delicate susceptibility! We will send some one in your place."
Mann sputtered wrathfully, and continued:--