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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 15

" It is too much happiness to think upon," she replied.

"You may go to bed, Amos Negrusz," said Klosstock, addressing a serving-man, whom both the rabbi and Ferrari had eyed with something like suspicion. The man bowed, but said nothing, not even " Good-night." He was a sinister-looking person, and had probably noticed a certain watchfulness on the part of the guests that was peculiar to their manner on this occasion, for though he had only been in the Jew Klosstock's ser- vice a few weeks, he had come with such excellent creden- tials, and was so willing and so anxious to all appearance to please, that both the rabbi and the master were inclined to trust him, and to regard him as an acquisition to the household.

" Forgive me," said the rabbi, lifting the heavy curtain over the door whence Amos Negrusz had disappeared, and standing for a moment in a listening attitude, " and I will explain later."

Klosstock looked inquiringly at his daughter, whose hand seeking his, he raised it to his lips, and she laid her head upon his shoulder.

" I do not like the man Amos," said the rabbi, in a low voice.

" Nor do I," added Ferrari.

" Nay, what has the poor fellow done ? " asked Kloss- tock. "You thought him a good man and useful, my son, until now."

"I did," said the rabbi. "It is only to-day that I doubt him ; only to-night that I fear him."

" Fear him ? " said Klosstock. " Do I hear aright ? "

" Where did he come from ? " asked the Italian.

" From Elizabethgrad," said Klosstock.

" Recommended by one worthy of trust ? "

" Yes, truly," replied Klosstock, " the merchant Chane."

" I thought so," said Ferrari significantly. " Do you know the merchant Chane ? "