Just before midnight Ahmed arrived with his two friends.  Gregorio saw them at once, and, calling them to him, they spoke together in low voices for a few moments.  There was little need for words, and soon, scarcely noticed by the drinkers and gamblers, they passed out into the street and walked slowly toward the Jew’s house.  Ahmed rapidly repeated the plan of action.  When they reached the door they stood for a moment before they woke the Arab, and these words passed between them: 

“For a wife.”

“For a sister.”

“For a son.”

Gregorio then demanded admittance and led the way, followed by his three friends.  He had visited the house of Amos before, on less bloody but less delightful business, and he did not hesitate, but strode on to where he knew the Jew would be.  His companions stood behind the curtain, awaiting the signal.

Amos looked somewhat surprised at the Greek’s entrance, but motioned him to a seat, and, as on the occasion of his first visit, clapped his hands together as a signal that coffee and pipes were required.

“It is kind of you to come, for doubtless you wish to pay me what is owing.”

“I wish to pay you.”

“That is well.  I hope you are better again.  I regretted to find you so ill two nights ago.”

“I am better.”

The conversation ceased, for Gregorio was restless and his fingers itched to do their work.  Something in his manner alarmed Amos, for he summoned in two of his servants and raised himself slightly, as if the better to avoid an attack.  But he continued to smoke calmly, watching the Greek under his half-closed lids.

“I have another piece of business to settle with you.”

“Do you want to borrow more money because I refuse to lend you any?”

“No; it is you who have borrowed, and I have come to you to receive back my own.”

“I fail to understand you.”

Gregorio tried to keep calm, but it was not possible.  Rising to his feet, he bent over the Jew and cried out: 

“Give me back my son, you Jew dog!”

“Your son is not here.”

“You lie! by God, you lie!  If he is not here you have murdered him.”

“Madman!” shouted Amos, as the Greek’s knife flashed from its sheath; but before he or his servants could stay the uplifted arm the Jew sank back among his cushions, wounded to the heart.  With a shout of triumph and a “Death of all Jews!” Gregorio turned savagely on the servants and, reinforced by his companions, soon succeeded in slaying them.  Then leaving the dead side by side, the four men dashed through the house seeking fresh victims.  Ten minutes later they were in the street again, dripping with the blood of women and men, for in their fury they had killed every human being in the house.

Down the narrow native streets they pushed on quickly, hugging the shadows, toward the Penny-farthing Shop.  Madam Marx, her ears sharpened by fear, heard them, admitted them by a side door, and led them quickly to an upper room.  Thither she carried water and clean garments, but dared not ask any questions.  Sick with anxiety, she re-entered the bar and waited.