In the House of the Jew
At nightfall Arthur and Alan, stoutly armed, proceeded to the Jewish
Quarter, which occupied a remote part of the city and was surrounded by
walls. Its only gate was open, and the two passed undisturbed through
the dark narrow streets, bordered with tall houses. The few windows were
barred with iron shutters, and wherever a door was open one might fancy
he was looking into an endless vault. Human figures appeared now and
then, timorously avoiding the gaze of the strangers, and looking after
them suspiciously from their lurking places. It was with some difficulty
that Alan induced an old woman to stop and tell them where Abraham
lived.
Abraham’s house was a large one, with tightly closed doors and windows.
At the sound of the knocker, a wicket was opened behind the iron grating
and a voice asked the strangers’ business. Alan answered cautiously that
they were expected by Abraham. Thereupon followed a clanking of bars and
bolts; the heavy door was opened, and Abraham stood on the threshold,
bowing low, and saying: “Welcome, noble gentlemen! Enter!”
It was not without some apprehension that the youths followed him
through a low, dimly lighted passageway. The air was close and heavy,
and no sound could be heard from without. At last their guide opened a
door, threw back a dark curtain, and bowed the strangers into an
apartment where they stood as transfixed with surprise as if they had
entered another world. They knew not whether they were in a garden or a
salon. High walls with many columns, balconies, and galleries enclosed a
spacious room which, open above, disclosed the sky. A splashing fountain
occupied the centre. All about flamed countless tapers upon metal
candelabra set in luxurious flower-beds. Groups of shrubs bearing rare
fruit sprang from the soil, which was covered with fine green turf and
colored stones set in a beautiful mosaic. Here and there were heavy
purple rugs upon which soft, gold-tasselled cushions were scattered
about. Festoons of flowers and rich draperies depended from the
galleries and columns. A banquet table set with glistening crystal and
silver plate stood upon an estrade. The youths seated themselves upon a
silk-covered settle with golden feet, and Abraham said with the utmost
reverence:
“Be my guests, noble gentlemen, and count it no disgrace to eat with a
Jew, whom you, my gracious Duke, once rescued when he was near to
death.”
Abraham clapped his hands and two handsome, black-eyed boys came
forward, bringing the strangers perfumed water in silver bowls. Then
food and sweet, spicy wines were set before them. But all this was done
without noise and with soft, quick movements; for at meals the Jews were
always apprehensive and ever in readiness for flight. Abraham was the
first to speak. Turning to the Duke, he said: “The gold which King
Philip demanded I refused, for he has already had enough from us. Are
you sure indeed that if he had it, he would use it for your advantage,
Duke of Brittany?”
Arthur replied that it was only the lack of money which kept him from
beginning the war.
“And do you expect to gain the crown of England? Would you not be
fortunate even if Brittany were your own?”
Arthur reddened and said, somewhat hesitatingly, “It is my right, my
inheritance.”
“Pardon me,” continued Abraham. “You would grace a throne, and what I
can do shall be at your service. King Philip may have the gold, and I
hope it will be used for your advantage. But a younger prince needs many
things which he may not obtain from the King. Perhaps I may in some ways
realize your wishes also. Be pleased, gracious Duke, to follow me.”
Abraham led the astonished youths into a subterranean vault lit by a
lamp from above, unlocked a massive chest, and, lifting the heavy lid,
invited Arthur to come nearer. It was filled with golden ornaments and
jewels. Opening a second chest, which was filled with leathern bags, he
said: “Accept. Every bag contains a thousand gold pieces. Accept, noble
Duke.”
“No!” said Arthur, stepping back. “What you give Philip will suffice
me.”
“But Philip will have to give me security,” said Abraham; “that is our
business.”
“And I can give you no security,” replied Arthur.
“You yourself are my security, Duke,” said Abraham with great
earnestness. “When you shall come to the throne you will not forget the
children of Israel, and you will allow them a home in your dominions.”
“I promise that,” said Arthur. “Once I have the power, I will be a just
ruler.”
“Take this as a souvenir of this hour,” said the Jew, throwing a golden
chain around Arthur’s neck. Then he turned to Alan and gave him a bag of
gold. “Equip a special troop of trusty, valiant men who will stand by
your Duke in every time of danger,” said he. “I do not mean men like
you, for such hearts as yours cannot be bought with gold.”
“That is enough,” said Alan as Abraham placed one bag after another in
Alan’s cloak. “Thanks! thanks, Abraham! Farewell!”
“God prosper you,” said Abraham as he escorted them to the street. They
had some difficulty in getting out of the Quarter, as the gate was
closed, but when Alan announced their names to the captain of the watch,
it was opened at once. They hurried back to their dwelling and told
their experiences to Höel, who advised them to let no one but Constance
know how they came by their treasure.