Meanwhile Alexander had been glancing through the letter. He now came straight towards the two seconds.
"Gentlemen, I am at your service," he said.
"How! What business is it of yours?"
"Mr. Boltay has empowered me to satisfy any claim whatever that may be made upon him."
"Well, what then?"
"Why, then," said Alexander, smoothing out the letter with his hand, "I am ready to settle this account also whenever and wherever you please."
Conrad looked at Livius. "This lad seems disposed to joke with us," said he.
"I am not joking, gentlemen. Since yesterday I have become Mr. Boltay's partner, and all the obligations of the firm are binding upon both of us equally. The credit of the establishment demands it."
Conrad began to doubt whether the youth was in his right mind or knew how to read.
"Have you read what is in that letter?" he roared.