"Oh, yes, I saw her; and what else did he tell you ?" "He told me that this lady was both beautiful and learned." "That is true," said Marcus with enthusiasm.

"To my mind, although she is small, I never saw one lovelier, nor do I know a sculptor who is her equal.

If you will come with me to the ship I will open the case and show you the bust she made of me.

But tell me, did this visitor of yours lack the forefinger on one hand--his right ?" "He did." "Then I suppose that he is named Caleb." "Yes; but how do you know that ?" "Because I cut off his forefinger," said Marcus, "in a fair fight, and," he added savagely, "he is a young rascal, as murderous as he is able, whose life I did ill to spare." "Ah," said Benoni, "it seems that I have still some discernment, for just so I judged him.

Well, what more do you know of the lady ?" "Something, since in a way I am affianced to her." "Indeed! Well, this is strange, for so, as he told me, is Caleb." "He told you that ?" said Marcus springing from his chair.