Moreover, it is already promised--nay, as good as sold.

But what have the poor to do with such splendours save to help the rich to buy them!" The Jew's prominent eyes shone with an inward light at the mention of the gem, and he said in a coaxing voice: "My dear Phadrig, we have always been friends for ever so long, and you say I've been a good customer to you.

Might I have a look at that gem?
You know how fond I am of the pretty things.

Have you got it here ?" "Yes, and you shall see it with pleasure, my good Josephus," replied Phadrig, well knowing the thought that was in his mind when he asked if he had the gem there in that shabby, unprotected room.
He went to the old oak secretaire, unlocked a cupboard at the side, and then a drawer within it, followed in every motion by the gleaming eyes of the Jew, and took from it a leather parcel.

He undid this and produced a box, about four inches long and three wide, of plain black polished wood.