"It is just four weeks since the first instalment on the robber's demanded ransom was paid, when the agent of Petard again appeared in the hall of Botzletz Castle, confident in his personal security, well knowing that the old man's daughter was the hostage held for his safety and the fulfilment of the contract, and demands a second quarter of the ransom. He was a dark, sinister looking Jew-for this was the class through whom the bandits universally performed all their business arrangements with people whom they could not personally approach-himself interested by the large percentage which was the payment for his part of the business. The Jew was most pertinacious in his demand.
"Karl Etzwell, the merchant, received the Jew, listened patiently to his demand, and then calmly said:
"'Two hundred and fifty marks of gold thou hast already received from me on this business.'
"'I have,' replied the Jew.
"'And thou now demandest an additional two hundred and fifty?' said the merchant.
"'It is my business,' was the answer.
"'Canst change me a good obligatory note for five hundred?' asked the merchant.
"The Jew drew forth his bag of gold, and after a brief examination, said:
"'If thou wilt take a few diamonds at their true valuation, I can make up the sum on the spot, but I shall charge you goodly usury.'
"'It is well,' replied the merchant.