sack, containing the very sum of which there is question, and, under
the conditions named, I will convert it to my
uses, arid repay
the good jeweller his gold, with moneys of my own, at a later day." "I
thank thee for the fact, Hosea,"
said the other, partially removing his mask, but as instantly replacing
it. "It will greatly shorten our negotiations. Thou hast not that sack
of the Jew of Livorno beneath thy domino?" Hosea was speechless. The
removal of the mask had taught him two material facts. He had been
communicating his distrust of the Senate's
intentions, concerning Donna Violetta, to an unknown person, and,
possibly, to an agent of the police; and
he had just deprived himself of the only argument
he had ever found available, in refusing the attempts of Giacomo
Gradenigo to borrow, by admitting to that very individual that he had
in his
power the precise sum required. "I trust the face of an old customer
is not likely to defeat our bargain, Hosea?" demanded the profligate
heir of the senator, scarce con