Bola the gypsy stood with his companion in the darkest part of a side street and waited for Cesky Brezen to appear. An hour or so earlier the third gypsy, who had waited patiently for two weeks, broke into the cellar and released his friend. The two had stolen food from stalls around the market, and brought each other up to date on all the latest news.
"The gajo monk said he would bring the final payment to this street," Balo told his friend. "We will wait here and see what happens. I don't trust him not to also bring a shanglo - police constable."
They did not have to wait long. Brezen, without his coat or headscarf suddenly appeared out of the darkness beside them.
"You're here, good, wait and watch for my signal. If we are betrayed, flee, but if he comes alone, get your lierenaar ready. You still have your knife, don't you?" He was given a nod and a grin. "Good, we have a score to settle with that monk." He slipped away.
Brother Timothy was not far away, but he was debating within himself about the wisdom of going to his rendezvous with the gypsy. His plans, and those of Monsignor Schrattenbach, had gone much better than expected. The salamander had performed his miracle, the 'cripple' had been cured, and even the exploding wine barrels had added to the dramatic effect. No one would be moving the bones of Saint Hugh from Peter and Paul's anytime soon. Monsignor Schrattenbach could not fail to be delighted.
As the excitement dimmed, however, he was suddenly aware that he had made plans to meet a gypsy in a dark street after holding him prisoner for two weeks. Not a good situation. He had looked for any of the men from Pernstejn, but they had all become lost and separated in the crowd and it was getting late. Abbot Napp had a full day planned for them tomorrow (or was it today?), and he did not want to arouse suspicion by being away from the monastery too late.
He was also carrying a large purse of gold coins.
Reluctantly he drifted in the direction of Starobrnenska and his meeting. At least the other gypsy was safely locked up in the cellar. The men from Schrattenbach's estates would let him out later that morning when they returned for their clothes, payment, and return to Pernstejn. If he was careful, the gypsy Brezen could be handled. He started to walk more quickly, but kept looking around him every few paces.
As agreed, Cesky Brezen was waiting at their appointed place, and came out of the darkness to greet the monk.
"You come. Do you have my money?" His tone was not exactly friendly.
"Yes," said Brother Timothy looking in all directions for possible trouble, but finding nothing. "I have your money."
He pulled the purse out of a side pocket in his coat, opened the clasp and counted out the agreed number of gold coins. Replacing the purse in his pocket, he held out the money to the gypsy.
"You did well," he said as Brezen came forward. "I have never seen a Salamander act before, it was very convincing."
Brezen ignored the compliment, the monk was alone and it was time for a little revenge. With a flick of his left hand he signaled Balo and the third gypsy, who moved rapidly out of the darkness. With his right hand he seized the coins in Brother Timothy's hand, but also held onto the fingers, crushing them.
Caught off guard, Brother Timothy winced in sudden pain, but pulled back immediately. From the corner of his eye he saw the shapes of Balo and the other gypsy coming towards him and he turned to run. Brezen reached out and caught the monk's arm with his left hand and, with a jerk, pulled Brother Timothy off balance. Before he knew what was happening, the monk was surrounded by three very unhappy gypsies bent on revenge.
"Jakel - dog!" hissed Brezen pushing his face close to that of Brother Timothy. Their eyes locked. If Brezen had expected to see fear, he was sadly disappointed. Brother Timothy may have had many faults, but cowardice was not one of them. His eyes remained fast on those of the gypsy, and the dark pupils flared in anger.
"So this is how the people of the Rom keep their bargains!" he said as calmly as possible. "I should have known."
It was Brezen whose eyes broke away first. He pushed the monk violently backwards and with a signal to his companions turned away with a grunt and strode off into the darkness. Alone in the deserted street, Brother Timothy took a long deep breath, and tried to stop himself shaking. Now that the danger was over, his imagination told him he should have been scared. So he was. It was several minutes before he had sufficient control over his limbs to begin the walk back to Old Brno and the monastery.
It was not until he was getting undressed in his room that he discovered that the outer pocket of his coat had a long clean slit along the bottom and that the purse with the remaining gold coins was nowhere to be found.