Page:Zangwill-King of schnorrers.djvu/90

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76
THE KING OF SCHNORRERS.

hurry off, or move slowly avay, as if not noticing, or put it quickly in de pocket. But dose who have visdom tell him he's made a mistake, and he gives dem anoder sov'ran. Honesty is de best policy with Gideon. Den dere is Rabbi de Falk, de Baal Shem — de great Cabbalist. Ven ——"

"But," interrupted Manasseh impatiently, "you haven't made out your hundred and fifty a year."

Yankele's face fell. "Not if you cut out so many items."

"No, but even all inclusive it only comes to a hundred and forty-three pounds nineteen shillings."

"Nonsense !" said Yankele, staggered. "How can you know so exact?"

"Do you think I cannot do simple addition?" responded Manasseh sternly. "Are not these your ten items?"

£ s. d.
1. Synagogue Pension, with Passover extras 8 0 0
2. Synagogue-knocking 10 10 0
3. District Visiting 65 0 0
4. As Congregation-man and Pyx-bearer 14 0 0
5. Year-Times 15 0 0
6. Palm-branch and Trumpet Fees 6 6 0
7. Purim-presents, &c. 3 3 0
8. Sale of Clothes 4 10 0
9. Equivalent of Free Meals 7 0 0
10. Miscellanea, the unexpected 10 10 0
Total £143 19 0

"A child could sum it up," concluded Manasseh severely. Yankele was subdued to genuine respect and consternation by da Costa's marvellous memory and arithmetical genius. But he rallied immediately. "Of course, I also reckoned on a dowry mid my bride, if only a hundred pounds."

"Well, invested in Consols, that would not bring you four pounds more," replied Manasseh instantly.