Veitel Itzig was in the highest excitement.

After many consultations with his adviser Hippus, many nightly calculations as to the state of his purse, he had ventured upon a bold stroke of business, and had succeeded in it.

He had wormed himself into a not very creditable secret, and had sold it for eight thousand dollars.

The happy day had at length arrived when he was to carry home this large capital.

After his long endeavor to appear calm, while his heart was beating with anxious suspense like a smith's hammer, he was now happy as a child; he jumped round the room, laughed with pleasure, and asked Hippus what sort of wine he would like to drink to-day.