More on this head Israel
could not think and hold to his purpose, so he took the jewels from
Naomi's neck and returned them to the casket, and hastened away with it
to a man to whom he designed to sell it.
This was no other than Reuben Maliki, keeper of the poor box of the
Jews; for as well as a usurer he was a silversmith, and kept his shop
in the Sok el Foki. Israel was moved to go to this person by the
remembrance of two things, of which either seemed enough for his
preference--first, that he had bought the jewels of Reuben in the
beginning, and next, the Reuben had never since ceased to speak of
them in Tetuan as priceless beyond the gems of Ethiopia and the gold of
Ophir.
But when Israel came to him now with the casket that he might buy, he
eyed both with looks of indifference, though it was more dear to his
covetous and revengeful heart that Israel should humble himself in his
need, and bring these jewels, than almost any other satisfaction that
could come to it.
"And what is this that you bring me?" said Reuben languidly.
"A case of jewels," said Israel, with a downward look.
"Jewels? umph! what jewels?"
"My poor wife's. You know them, Reuben See!"
Israel opened the casket.
"Ah, your wife's. Umph! yes, I suppose I must have seen them somewhere.
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