"As you please," said Jacob, in an indifferent tone.
"You are on their side, are you not?" asked David.
"I am for Poland, but I am not a revolutionist."
"As for myself, I have made the acquaintance of the principal agitators. I attend all the meetings, and I will aid the revolutionists, for there is money to be made by so doing. As a measure of precaution I have put all my property in a safe place across the frontier, so that in case I am taken the Russians can get nothing, and my father can save me from the hands of the police through the protection of the high functionaries with whom he is in favour. The patriots will need capital to procure arms at the Austrian frontier. I will accommodate them, and the profits will be worth running a little risk."
"Excuse me," interrupted Jacob. "I do not wish to meddle in such business."
"How is that? Have you not said that you sympathize with Poland, and did you not reproach us for being opposed to it?"
"Listen to me, my good David. If I am Polish, it is not from love of lucre, not for fear, but from conviction."
"I am equally patriotic at heart," said David. "I sing the recent hymns which ask God to manifest his power against the secular enemy. I believed that you would aid me to conduct my business to a successful termination; for to speak frankly, as I am a new convert the patriots have not yet entire confidence in me. Your recommendation would have weight, and you can share the profits."
At these words Jacob rang, and the servant appeared immediately.
"You see this gentleman," said the master. "Look at him well so as to recognize him."