fifty marks of gold, partly made up by a score of fine diamonds.

"'We should have some witnesses to this transaction,' said the
merchant. 'I will summon them.'

"'It were better done between ourselves alone,' said the Jew.

"At the same moment the heavy folding-doors behind the seat occupied
by Karl Etzwell were thrown open, and two persons, a lady and
gentleman, advanced towards the old merchant, They were Bettina and
Egbert!

"'Foiled with thine own weapons!' said Egbert, advancing and
securing the money which the Jew had deposited upon the table. 'This
is the exact sum that was paid to thee four weeks since. It is now
returned, and you are a marked man. If seen again in these parts, I
will myself have thee cut in piecemeal, and hung at my castle gates.
Now, villain, get thee hence!'

"'Gentlemen, you forget that there is a captive who will pay the
penalty of all this,' said the Jew, with a demoniacal grin.

"'You are not fully informed, Sir Jew,' said Egbert. 'Your principal
could inform you that his bird has flown, and I tell you that there
she stands beside her father.'

"The Jew uttered a smothered execration, and tore his hair for a
moment in despair at the loss he had experienced. But the iron grip
of Egbert's powerful hand upon his shoulder awoke him to a sense of
pain and fear for his safety, and he hurried away.