“The child is mine.”

“Ah, well, it is a happy chance that you recovered him so easily.  And now to business.”

“I am listening.”

“I have already, as of course you know, been here to see you about the money you owe me.  I was sorry you did not see fit to pay me, because I had to sell your furniture, and it was not worth much.”

“I have no money to pay you, or I would have paid you long ago.  I told you when I went to your house that I could not pay you.”

“And yet, my friend, it is only fair that a man who borrows money should be prepared to pay it back.”

“I could pay you back if you gave me time.  But you have no heart, you Jews.  What do you care if we starve, so long as—­”

“Hush!” said Amos, gravely; “I have dealt fairly by you.  But I will let you go free on one condition.”

“And that is?”

“That you give me the child.”

Gregorio stood speechless with horror and rage at the window, and the old man walked across the room to where the infant lay.

“I have no young son, Gregorio Livadas, and I will take yours.  Not only will I forgive you the debt, but I will give you money.  I want the child.”

“By God, you shall not touch him!” cried Gregorio, suddenly finding voice for his passion.

He rushed furiously at Amos, gripped him by the throat, and flung him to the far side of the room.  Then he stood by his child with his arms folded on his breast, his eyes flashing and his nostrils dilated.  Amos quickly recovered himself, and, in a voice that scarcely trembled, again demanded his money.

“Go away,” shouted Gregorio; “if you come here again, I will kill you.  Twice now have I saved my boy from falling into your hands.”

“I wish only to do you a service.  You are a beggar, and I am rich enough, ask Heaven, to look after the child.  Why should you abuse me because I offer to release you from your debts if you will let me take the child?”

Gregorio answered brusquely that the Jew should not touch the boy.  “I will not have him made a Jew.”

“Then you will pay me.”

“I will not.  I cannot.”

“I shall take measures, my friend, to force you to pay me.  I have not dealt harshly with you.  I came here to help you, and you have insulted me and beaten me.”

“Because you are a dog of a Jew, and you have tried to steal my son.”

A nasty look came into the Jew’s eyes,—­a cold, cunning look,—­and he was about to reply when the door opened and Xantippe entered.  She was well dressed, and wore some ornaments of gold.  Amos turned toward her, asking the man: 

“This is your wife?”

But Gregorio told Xantippe rapidly the history of his adventures with the boy; and the woman, hearing them, moved quietly to the corner where he slept, and took him in her arms.

The Jew smiled.  “I see,” he said, “that madam has money.  She has taken the advice I gave you the other day.  Now I know that you can pay me, and if you do not within two days, Gregorio Livadas, you will repent the insults you have heaped on my head this night.”