and skillful in all bargains, but we keep faith and covenant. So be
it. Let us be friends. I covenant with you, and I swear by the tables
of the law, you shall not lose one shilling per annum by me."

"I'll trust you as far as I can fling a bull by the tail. You gave me
your history--take mine. I have always put my foot on whatever man or
thing has stood in my way. I was poor, I am rich, and that is my
policy."

"It is frail policy," said Isaac, firmly. "Some man will be sure to
put his foot on you, soon or late."

"What, do you threaten me?" roared Meadows.

"No, sir," said Isaac, gently but steadily. "I but tell you what these
old eyes have seen in every nation, and read in books that never lie.
Goliath defied armies, yet he fell like a pigeon by a shepherd-boy's
sling. Samson tore a lion in pieces with his hands, but a woman laid
him low. No man can defy us all, sir! The strong man is sure to find
one as strong and more skillful; the cunning man one as adroit and
stronger than himself. Be advised, then, do not trample upon one of my
people. Nations and men that oppress us do not thrive. Let me have to
bless you. An old man's blessing is gold. See these gray hairs. My
sorrows have been as many as they. His share of the curse that is upon
his tribe has fallen upon Isaac Levi." Then, stretching out his hands
with a slight but touching gesture, he said, "I have been driven to
and fro like a leaf these many years, and now I long for rest. Let me
rest in my little tent, till I rest forever. Oh! let me die where
those I loved have died, and there let me be buried."