“In three days’ time, if it please your Majesty, I will return and give
you my humble opinion. I cannot promise to satisfy your Majesty, but I
will do my best to justify my conscience.”
The King consented to this proposal, and dismissed the Jew with a
friendly farewell.
Three days later the King and Nicholas were anxiously awaiting the
promised reply. At the hour appointed, Ephraim appeared. He was very
much agitated and gasped for breath.
“Most heartily welcome,” cries Pedro in his most friendly voice; “come
and sit near my throne and tell me your answer to my question.”
Ephraim sat in silence and failed to control his agitation.
“What is the matter, good Ephraim?” asked the King, who was now
beginning to feel concerned at the Jew’s prolonged silence and unusual
excitement.