t themselves by their own deeds. They
dare to chaffer with me!"

"And they have a right to do so," cried the burgomaster, quite beside
himself with rage. "Who asked you to play the great lord in our name,
and distribute royal presents--diamonds and gold snuff-boxes?
You could have done it much more cheaply. The Russian is not so
high-priced. But it was your pleasure to be magnificent at our
expense, and to strut about as a bountiful gentleman."

"Silence!" cried Gotzkowsky, in such a commanding tone that the
burgomaster was struck dumb, and sank back in his chair. Gotzkowsky
said no more. He took the accounts from the table, and, casting a
look of anger and contempt on the worthy gentlemen, tore the papers
in pieces, and threw the scraps at their feet. "I am paid!" he said,
proudly, and turned to leave the room.

One of the town councillors hastened after him, and held him back.
"You are too hasty: we may yet agree."

"No!" said Gotzkowsky, striving to free himself. "I do not chaffer and
bargain for my right."

The other held him tight. "But the Council are not averse to paying
you, if you--"

"If I will only traffic with you, is it not so?" interrupted
Gotzkowsky. "Let me go; we have done with each other."

"You will regret having repulsed the Council," said the burgomaster,
threateningly.

"I never regret an action when my honor is satisfied," said
Gotzkowsky, with proud contempt; and then, without honoring the worthy
gentlemen with another look, he left the hall, and returned into the
street.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XI.

THE JEWS OF THE MINT.

Herr Itzig was a very pious and devout Jew. He kept the Sabbath
strictly after the custom of his ancestors. He was charitable to the
poor; and no Jew beggar ever left his door without a gift.

He sat in his room, performing his morning devotions, and so deeply
was he immersed therein, that he did not hear a repeated knocking
at the door until a low, gentle voice whispered, "Good-morning, Herr
Itzig!"

Itzig first finished his prayer; for all the world he would not have
broken off before the end of it: "Be gracious and merciful to us,
Jehovah, and incline us to be compassionate and helpful to all who
approach us with supplication, even as we desire that thou shouldst
be to us." And now the pious Jew closed his prayer-book, and turned
slowly around.

That pale, bent man, who greeted him with a sorrowful smile--could it
pos