s of Orsini," said the grand vizier, sternly.
"But it is for _me_ to command here, and for _you_ to obey, proud
prince! Let the chains be removed from those prisoners forthwith."

The duke sank back in his chair, and, subduing his rage as well as he
was able, he made a sign to the familiars to set the Jew and the marquis
at liberty.

"Grand vizier," exclaimed Manuel, "the life and the liberty which, at
your all-powerful nod are restored to me will prove irksome and
valueless if I be compelled to remain in a Christian land. Confer not
favors by halves, my lord--render me completely grateful to you! Take me
into your service--even as a slave, if your highness will; but let me
accompany to a Mussulman country a Mussulman who can teach the
Christians such a fine lesson of mercy and forgiveness."

"You shall go with me to Constantinople, Manuel--but not as a slave,"
returned Ibrahim, profoundly touched by the sincere tone and earnest
manner of the young noble; "no--you shall accompany me as a friend."

"A thousand thanks, grand vizier, for this kindness--this generosity!"
said the marquis, deeply affected; then as a sudden idea struck him, he
turned toward the Jew exclaiming, "But we must not leave this old man
behind us. 'Twere the same as if we were to abandon a helpless child in
the midst of a forest inhabited by ferocious wolves."

"Yes--yes--let me accompany you, excellent young man!" murmured
Isaachar, clinging to the arm of the marquis, for their chains were now
knocked off. "You were the first Christian who ever spoke kindly to me;
and I have no kith--no kindred on the face of the earth. I am a
lone--desolate old man; but I have wealth--much wealth, Manuel
d'Orsini--and all that I have shall be thine."

"The Jew shall accompany us, my lord," said Ibrahim, addressing himself
to the marquis; then, turning toward the duke, he exclaimed in a severe
tone, "But a few hours remain till sunset, and the ransom of a hundred
thousand pistoles must be paid to me; or I will deliver up this proud
palace and the homes of the councilors now assembled to the pillage of
my troops."

"Nay--nay, my lord!" cried the Jew, horror-struck at the threat; "bring
not the terrors of sack, and storm, and carnage into this fair city! A
hundred thousand pistoles, your highness says,--a hundred thousand
pistoles," he added, in a slower and more musing tone; "'tis a large
sum--a very large sum! And yet--to save so many men and their innocent