Q. A claims that he advanced money to L, a widow, who assured him that the exact amount would be returned to him in Erfurt; that L promised to repay all expenses he might incur in collecting the money, should he find it difficult to collect it in Erfurt; that when he came there he was put off time and again and was obliged to send three messengers in order to collect the money, thus spending three pounds. He, therefore, demands these three pounds. L denies any knowledge of A's expenses, but is ready to pay the amount that, A will state under oath, is due him. A. L's promise to A was a mere Asmakhta. Since this promise was not made before an authoritative court, even if it was accompanied by a kinyan, it was not binding. SOURCES: B. p. 276, no. 53.