the letter and slipped it into the pocket of his kaftan. "I
am to assure myself that the Jongejuffrouw Gilda Beresteyn, who is in
your charge, is safe and well and hath no grave complaints to make
against you, beyond that you did seize her by force in the streets of
Haarlem. After which I am to see that she is conveyed with respect and
safety to my own private house which is situate outside this city, or to
any other place which I might think fitting, and there to keep her in
comfort until such time as Mynheer Beresteyn desires. All that is quite
clearly set forth in the letter, sir, and also that in payment for your
services you are to receive the sum of 3,000 guilders which I am to give
you in exchange for the formal bond which you will duly present."

The Jew spoke very deliberately--too deliberately, in fact, for
Diogenes' endurance. Now he broke in impatiently.

"Is that all that is set forth in the letter?"

The Jew smiled somewhat sardonically.

"Not quite all," he said, "there is, of course, question in it of
payment to myself."

"And certain conditions too, I imagine, attached to such payment. I know
that Mynheer Nicolaes Beresteyn is prudent beyond his years."

"There is but one condition, sir, which enjoins me to keep a watchful
eye on the jongejuffrouw once she is under my roof: to set a watch over
her and her movements, and never, if possible, to let her out of my
sight; he suggests that she might at any time make an attempt at escape,
which he strictly commands me to frustrate, and in point of fact he
desires me to look upon his sister as a prisoner of war not even to be
let out on parole."

Diogenes' low, prolonged whistle was his only comment on what he had
just heard.

"Mynheer Beresteyn also suggests to me, sir," continued the Jew with
marked affability, "the advisability of keeping a watchful eye over you
until such time as the jongejuffrouw is safely housed under my roof."

"You will find that injunction somewhat more difficult to follow, my
friend, than you imagine," retorted Diogenes with a ringing laugh, "an
you'll take my advice you will have extra watchmen posted outside your
door."

"I have valuable things as well as monies stored in this house, sir,"
rejoined the Jew simply. "I have a picked guard of ten men sleeping here
every night, and two watchmen outside my door until dawn."

Once more a long, low whistle escaped from the philosopher's lips.

"You are careful, my friend!" h