"But it is impossible," he added, more calmly; "it is a lie, a mere idle rumor." "Believe my words," said the Jew, impressively.

"His father is in the hands of one who walks about in secret, like the angel of destruction.
He goes and lays his noose around the necks of the men he has singled out without any one seeing him.

He tightens the noose, and they fall around like ninepins.

Why should you lend your money to those who have the noose around their neck ?" "Who is this demon who has the baron in his power ?" cried Anton, in uncontrollable excitement.
"What signifies the name ?" coolly replied the Galician.

"Even if I knew it I would not tell it, and if I told it it could do you no good, nor the baron either, for you know him not, and he knows him not." "Is it Ehrenthal ?" inquired Anton.
"I can not tell the name," rejoined the trader, shrugging his shoulders; "but it is not Hirsch Ehrenthal." "If I am to believe your words, and if you wish to do me a service," continued Anton, more composedly, "you must give me exact information.