Well, I don't see why
he shouldn't. You see my master never cared for pearls that were not
perfectly white, or admired ladies upon whom report cast the slightest
breath of scandal. But he is of a curiously jealous disposition, and it
is, I think, the head that he requires, not the hand."
"Had you not better make yourself clear upon the point before we go any
further?" asked Caleb. "Otherwise I do not feel inclined to undertake a
very difficult and dangerous business."
"With pleasure. Now would you let me have your demands, in writing,
perhaps. Oh! of course, I understand--to be answered in writing."
Caleb took parchment and pen and wrote:
"A free pardon, with full liberty to travel, live and trade throughout
the Roman empire, signed by the proper authorities, to be granted to one
Caleb, the son of Hilliel, for the part he took in the Jewish war.
"A written promise, signed by the person concerned, that if the head
he desires is put within his reach the Jewish slave named Pearl-Maiden
shall be handed over at once to Demetrius, the merchant of Alexandria,
whose property she shall become absolutely and without question."
"That's all," he said, giving the paper to Saturius. "The Caleb spoken
of is a Jewish friend of mine to whom I am anxious to do a good turn,
without whose help and evidence I should be quite unable to perform my
share of the bargain.
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