e child were to be
brought together to work his, Gregorio's, ruin.

Suddenly he heard a footstep on the stairs. "Thank God!" he cried, as he
ran to the door.

"Xantippe!"

But he recoiled as if shot, for as the door opened Amos entered. The Jew
bowed politely to the Greek, but there was an unpleasant twinkle in his
eyes as he spoke.

"You cannot offer me a seat, my friend, so I will stand. We have met
already this evening."

Gregorio did not answer, but placed himself between the Jew and the
child.

"I dare say you did not see me," the old man continued, quietly, "for
you seemed excited. I suppose the child is yours. It was surely careless
to let him stray so far from home."

"The child is mine."

"Ah, well, it is a happy chance that you recovered him so easily. And
now to business."

"I am listening."

"I have already, as of course you know, been here to see you about the
money you owe me. I was sorry you did not see fit to pay me, because I
had to sell your furniture, and it was not worth much."

"I have no money to pay you, or I would have paid you long ago. I told
you when I went to your house that I could not pay you."

"And yet, my friend, it is only fair that a man who borrows money should
be prepared to pay it back."

"I could pay you back if you gave me time. But you have no heart, you
Jews. What do you care if we starve, so long as--"

"Hush!" said Amos, gravely; "I have dealt fairly by you. But I will let
you go free on one condition."

"And that is?"

"That you give me the child."

Gregorio stood speechless with horror and rage at the window, and the
old man walked across the room to where the infant lay.

"I have no young son, Gregorio Livadas, and I will take yours. Not
only will I forgive you the debt, but I will give you money. I want the
child."

"By God, you shall not touch him!" cried Gregorio, suddenly finding
voice for his passion.

He rushed furiously at Amos, gripped him by the throat, and flung him
to the far side of the room. Then he stood by his child with his arms
folded on his breast, his eyes flashing and his nostrils dilated. Amos
quickly recovered himself, and, in a voice that scarcely trembled, again
demanded his money.

"Go away," shouted Gregorio; "if you come here again, I will kill you.
Twice now have I saved my boy from falling into your hands."

"I wish only to do you a service. You are a beggar, and I am rich
enough, ask Heaven, to look after the chi