t
few weeks; and yet he soon sank into a peaceful slumber. And again there
was silence in the house. A plain old house it was, with many angles,
and secret holes and corners--no place, in truth, for glowing enthusiasm
and consuming passion; but it was a good old house for all that, and it
lent a safe shelter to those who slept within its walls.

CHAPTER XL.

The next morning Anton hurried to Ehrenthal's. The invalid was not to be
spoken to on business, and the ladies gave him so ungracious a reception
that he thought it unwise to afford them any inkling of the reason of
his visit. That very day he had notice given to Ehrenthal's attorney, by
Councilor Horn, of twenty thousand dollars being ready in hand for the
discharge of Ehrenthal's claims to that amount. As for his other
demands, unsupported as they were by documentary evidence, they were to
be referred to proper legal authorities. The attorney refused to accept
the payment offered. Anton accordingly took the necessary steps to
compel Ehrenthal at once to accept it, and to forego all claims that he
had hitherto urged in connection therewith.

It was evening when Anton drew on an old office coat, and with his
quickest business step proceeded to the house of Loebel Pinkus. He
looked through the window into the little bar, and, seeing the worthy
Pinkus there, put a short matter of fact inquiry to him: "Mr. T. O.
Schroeter wishes to be informed if Schmeie Tinkeles of Brody has arrived,
or is expected here. He is immediately to proceed to the firm on
business."

Pinkus returned a cautious answer. Tinkeles was not there, and he did
not know when he might come. Tinkeles often announced himself, and often
he did not. The thing was uncertain. However, if he saw the man, he
would give the message.

The next day the servant opened Anton's door, and Schmeie Tinkeles
stepped in. "Welcome, Tinkeles!" cried Anton, looking at him with a
smile.

The trader was astonished to see Anton. A shadow passed over his sly
face, and a secret disquietude was traceable through all his voluble
expression of joy. "God's miracle it surely is that I should see you
again before me in the body. I have often inquired at Schroeter's house,
and have never been able to find out whither you were gone. I have
always liked to deal with you; we have made many an excellent purchase
together.

"We have had our quarrels too, Tinkeles," suggested Anton.

"That was a bad business," said Tinkele