"Entirely. This Mordko is a queer fellow, and when you see him you will not doubt him. Half mute, almost blind, he can scarcely say four words or take three steps. He has such a stupid and innocent air that he is never suspected. I will go and find him."
Madame Schmul came in to keep Jacob company, and at the half-open door the three girls peeped at him with admiration. Rosélé said to herself: "What happiness for me if I could please this rich man. But, alas! I must not think of it. I am called beautiful, but no doubt I should not satisfy a man such as he."
In a few moments Schmul returned with a very shabby individual. He looked at Jacob from head to foot attentively.
"He already understands the situation," said the pedler. "You need make no farther explanations."
"I wish to leave at once," said Jacob.
"To-night? No!" replied Mordko. "Too dangerous! Morning will be better."
"But I cannot sleep here, there is no room, and the hotels are surrounded by the police."
"I know a place where you can sleep quietly. I will return in a moment, and conduct you to it."
As soon as Mordko had gone, Schmul said to his visitor:--
"Your flight gives me great sorrow. When will you return? No one knows. Your absence is a misfortune for the Israelites. You are the only one who could restore our old purity of religion. No one else, and now you are taken from us."