THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
them. Down into the brothel. No more Holy Scroll.
Reb Ali
Man! What words are these! What's happened here? Speak!
Reizel, at the door. Reassuring Reb Ali.
No, Rebbi. Not the Holy Scroll. His daughter. . . Rifkele. The Holy Scroll is undefiled. (Points to Rifkele's room.) Still in there.
Reb Ali, with a sigh of relief.
Blessed be His name. But are you sure that the Scroll is undefiled?
Reizel
Yes, Rebbi.
Reb Ali, more calmly, spitting out.
Blessed be His Name. I feel easier on that score. (To Yekel.) What made you talk such nonsense? (To Reizel, without looking at her.) Did she go away? Isn't she back yet? (To Yekel.) Has anybody gone to look for her?
Yekel
My daughter is holier to me than a Holy Scroll.
Reb Ali
Don't talk nonsense. Just keep quiet and don't make any scenes. Has anybody gone yet to look for her? To bring her back? Well?
[ 76 ]
