Henry C. Rowland

“ His world-wide reputation was that a man would be safe in placing any amount of cold cash in his hands without asking for a receipt, but if anybody sat in a game of high finance with him, he needed to play mighty close to his belt. Rosenthal would plunder the coffers of a country with the same ruthlessness that a cracksman would go through a safe. I remarked a little while ago that for men there were no half-measures of honesty; that a man was either honest or dishonest. Perhaps I should amend that statement by adding “with himself.” Rosenthal was absolutely honest with himself. ”

“ Rosenthal turned to me. There was a curious, baffled look in his mottled eyes, but he said nothing. I also remained silent. The dealer looked from one to the other of us with a pale, agitated face.
“Of course,” said he, “when a lady is unfortunately compelled to part with her jewels, she does not care to have them recognised elsewhere. I quite understood this, and although I bought the pearls outright, I had no intention of not keeping my verbal agreement. ”

“ I had heard it said in Buenos Ayres that the big Jew was usually to be found about the gambling places with hard cash to pay for a ring or scarf-pin in case any unfortunate gambler wanted to get the price to continue the game. This was a sort of fad of Rosenthal's, and when he found anything particularly fine it usually went to add to the collection of his wife in Buda Pest.
“Here ve are,” said the baron, and flung open the door of the taxi. ”

“ Moreover, the Jew was a big man and a man of heart. He was generous and liberal, and his motto was, “live and let live.” I knew that my story was as safe with him as though sealed in a leaden casket and dropped into the sea. ”

“ He nodded. “Dere is not'ing else to do,” says he. “How about dis Ivan und his gang?”
“Ivan will stand pat, I think,” said I. “To tell the truth, he would probably be quite content to have Chu-Chu removed. Between you and me, I think that Ivan is afraid of him. A man like that is a constant source of danger to the organisation. I am going to see Ivan and tell him how things stand and ask him to keep out of it.”
Rosenthal looked at me, thoughtfully.
“Py Chingo,” says he, “I belief you are r'right.” He poured himself another glass of cognac. “Her Gott! vat a vorld! vat a vorld!” ”

“ You also are von, und if you efer need a fr'riendt, call on Isidor Rosenthal.”
“Thank you, Baron,” said I. “One always needs a good friend. I am going to take you at your word. Now listen: John Cuttynge must redeem those pearls. His wife must never know what he has done. It would kill her. I don't know how he stands financially; pretty badly, I suppose, or he would never have stolen the pearls. Now, I am going to ask you to turn over those pearls to me, taking my note for what you paid and letting us pay it off as we are able.” ”