"Have I not said," resumed the Spaniard, with a sovereign air of scorn, "that ten thousand piasters would not suffice?"
"Señor, I cannot give you a half real more!"
"Take away these caskets and bring me the sum I ask for. To complete the thirty thousand piasters which I need, you will take a mortgage on this house. Does it seem to you to be solid?"
"Ah, señor, in this city, subject to earthquakes, one knows not who lives or dies, who stands or falls."
And, as he said this, Samuel let himself fall on his heels several times to test the solidity of the floors.
"Well, to oblige your lordship, I will furnish you with the required sum; although, at this moment I ought not to part with money; for I am about to marry my daughter to the caballero André Certa. Do you know him, sir?"
"I do not know him, and I beg of you to send me this instant, the sum agreed upon. Take away these jewels."
"Will you have a receipt for them?" asked the Jew.
Don Vegal passed into the adjoining room, without replying.
"Proud Spaniard!" muttered Samuel, "I will crush thy insolence, as I disperse thy riches! By Solomon! I am a skillful man, since my interests keep pace with my sentiments."