Rebecca’s Father

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 4 (Supplement)

Rebecca’s Father

Isaac raised a yell which may the very vault ring. He threw himself on the pavement and clasped the knees of Front-de-Boeuf. “Take all that you have asked, kill me, broil me on that furnace, but spare my daughter, deliever her in safety and honour.” _ , “My word is passed to Sir Brian, sai Front-de-Boeuf. “Besides, why should you think evil is to come to the girl, even if she became his booty?” “Robber and villain!” cried Isaac, beside himself with fury. “Not one silver penny will I pay you—unless my daughter is delivered to me in safety and “Ar e you in your senses, Israelite?” said Front-de-Boeuf, sternly. “Has your flesh and Hood a charm against heated iron and scalding oil?” “I do not care!” said the Jew. “My daughter is dearer to me a thousand times than those, limbs which your cruelty threatens. Do your worst!” “Strip him, slaves,” said the Baron, and chain him down upon the bars.” The Saracens had already torn from the old man his upper garments when the sound of a bugle penetrated even to the recesses of the dungeon, and immediately after loud voices were heard calling for Sir Reginald Front-de-Boeuf. Unwilling to be found engaged in his hellish occupation, the savage Baron quitted the dungeon with his attendants, leaving the Jew to thank God ior his own deliverance, or to lament over his daughters captivity and probable fate.