’Perhaps he was not sorry to be rid of him, and to have in his possession a large sum of money, four thousand ducats, with which he could tempt fortune once more; as you know he did at your table that night.’

‘Your ladyship went halves, madam,’ said I; ’and you know how little I was the better for my winnings.’

’The man conducted the trembling Israelite out of the palace, and no sooner had seen him lodged at the house of one of his brethren, where he was accustomed to put up, than he went away to the office of his Excellency the Minister of Police, and narrated every word of the conversation which had taken place between the Jew and his master.

’Geldern expressed the greatest satisfaction at his spy’s prudence and fidelity.  He gave him a purse of twenty ducats, and promised to provide for him handsomely:  as great men do sometimes promise to reward their instruments; but you, Monsieur de Balibari, know how seldom those promises are kept.  “Now, go and find out,” said Monsieur de Geldern, “at what time the Israelite proposes to return home again, or whether he will repent and take the money.”  The man went on this errand.  Meanwhile, to make matters sure, Geldern arranged a play-party at my house, inviting you thither with your bank, as you may remember; and finding means, at the same time, to let Maxime de Magny know that there was to be faro at Madame de Liliengarten’s.  It was an invitation the poor fellow never neglected.’

I remembered the facts, and listened on, amazed at the artifice of the infernal Minister of Police.

’The spy came back from his message to Lowe, and stated that he had made inquiries among the servants of the house where the Heidelberg banker lodged, and that it was the latter’s intention to leave X——­ that afternoon.  He travelled by himself, riding an old horse, exceedingly humbly attired, after the manner of his people.

’"Johann,” said the Minister, clapping the pleased spy upon the shoulder, “I am more and more pleased with you.  I have been thinking, since you left me, of your intelligence, and the faithful manner in which you have served me; and shall soon find an occasion to place you according to your merits.  Which way does this Israelitish scoundrel take?”

’"He goes to R——­to-night.”

’"And must pass by the Kaiserwald.  Are you a man of courage, Johann Kerner?”

’"Will your Excellency try me?” said the man, his eyes glittering:  “I served through the Seven Years’ War, and was never known to fail there.”

’"Now, listen.  The emerald must be taken from that Jew:  in the very keeping it the scoundrel has committed high treason.  To the man who brings me that emerald I swear I will give five hundred louis.  You understand why it is necessary that it should be restored to her Highness.  I need say no more.”

’"You shall have it to-night, sir,” said the man.  “Of course your Excellency will hold me harmless in case of accident.”