great Capuchin--he of the covering foot--took me by the arm and begged
the favour of a word in my ear. He was a hideous villain, broad-
shouldered, scarred, hugely bearded, and had a prominent tooth in his
lower jaw, rather loose, which stuck out like a tusk. I have spoken of
his breath, which was as the blast of a furnace.

"I see," he said with an odious leer, "that you are a game-cock. I knew
you by your ruffle. It was gallantly tried, and nearly successful. I
like your spirit much. Come with me, and you shall not fail again. You
and I will take the road together, live at our ease, and live for
nothing, and brave it with the best notwithstanding. What do you say?
Shall we shake hands upon it?" Monster that he was, as he hovered over
me there, grinning, moving his tooth, he inspired me with loathing. I
felt the blood tingle in my cheek.

"Better a Jew than a thieving renegade," says I. "That is my answer to
you. Go in peace."

He said, "As you will," and turned to his affairs. I left the hospital
with the benevolent Jew, whose name was Issachar.




CHAPTER VIII

THE PEDLAR OF CRUCIFIXES


Issacher, as well as being a cheerful, loquacious fellow and of ready