As Ahmed had advised, Gregorio settled himself patiently to await the summons. Madam would have liked to ask him many questions, and to have extracted a promise from him not to risk his life in any mad enterprise his accomplice might suggest. But though the Greek’s body seemed almost lifeless, so quietly and immovably he rested on his chair, there was a restless look in his eyes that told her how fiercely and irrepressibly his anger burned. She knew enough of his race to know that no power on earth could stop him striking for revenge. And she trembled, for she knew also that directly he had begun to strike his madness would increase, and that only sheer physical exhaustion would stay his hand.  
Madam Marx was unhappy, and as she waited on her customers her eyes rested continually on the Greek, who heeded her not. Once she carried some wine to him, and he drank eagerly, spilling a few drops on the floor first. “It’s like blood,” he muttered, and smiled. Madam hastily covered his mouth with her trembling fingers.
 
Just before midnight Ahmed arrived with his two friends. Gregorio saw them at once, and, calling them to him, they spoke together in low voices for a few moments. There was little need for words, and soon, scarcely noticed by the drinkers and gamblers, they passed out into the street and walked slowly toward the Jew’s house. Ahmed rapidly repeated the plan of action. When they reached the door they stood for a moment before they woke the Arab, and these words passed between them:
 
“For a wife.”
 
“For a sister.”
 
“For a son.”
 
Gregorio then demanded admittance and led the way, followed by his three friends. He had visited the house of Amos before, on less bloody but less delightful business, and he did not hesitate, but strode on to where he knew the Jew would be. His companions stood behind the curtain, awaiting the signal.
 
Amos looked somewhat surprised at the Greek’s entrance, but motioned him to a seat, and, as on the occasion of his first visit, clapped his hands together as a signal that coffee and pipes were required.
 
“It is kind of you to come, for doubtless you wish to pay me what is owing.”
 
“I wish to pay you.”
 
“That is well. I hope you are better again. I regretted to find you so ill two nights ago.”
 
“I am better.”
 
The conversation ceased, for Gregorio was restless and his fingers itched to do their work. Something in his manner alarmed Amos, for he summoned in two of his servants and raised himself slightly, as if the better to avoid an attack. But he continued to smoke calmly, watching the Greek under his half-closed lids.
 
“I have another piece of business to settle with you.”
 
“Do you want to borrow more money because I refuse to lend you any?”
 
“No; it is you who have borrowed, and I have come to you to receive back my own.”
 
“I fail to understand you.”
 
Gregorio tried to keep calm, but it was not possible. Rising to his feet, he bent over the Jew and cried out:
 
“Give me back my son, you Jew dog!”
 
“Your son is not here.”
 
“You lie! by God, you lie! If he is not here you have murdered him.”
 
“Madman!” shouted Amos, as the Greek&r............