Part 21 (1/2)

He went to a closet in the corner, and unlocking it he exposed the fas.h.i.+onable suit that he had worn at Potash & Perlmutter's the previous afternoon. From the right-hand waistcoat pocket he took a red-banded invincible and handed it to Abe.

”Have a smoke, Mr. Potash?” he said. Abe examined the cigar closely and tucked it carefully away. Then he produced three panatelas, handed one each to Sidney and Shapolnik and lit the other himself.

”About this here salesman, Mr. Potash,” Shapolnik commented. ”I think I changed my mind.”

Abe blew a great cloud of smoke before replying and then he placed an emphatic forefinger upon Shapolnik's knee.

”A new beginner when he throws bluffs, Shapolnik,” he said, ”must got to make good. You told me yesterday you wanted a salesman and I am bringing him to you.”

Shapolnik blushed.

”Sure, I know I told it you, Mr. Potash,” he said, ”but my partner thinks otherwise.”

Abe nodded.

”The only use some people got for a partner, Shapolnik,” he commented, ”is they could always blame him for everything they do; but even if you did come in my place just to show me what an elegant suit of clothes and a fine clean shave you got it, Shapolnik, I am bringing you a salesman anyhow.”

Katzberg at this juncture again laid down his pressing iron and came forward.

”Say, lookyhere, what is the use talking?” he cried. ”We don't need a salesman; and that's all there is to it.”

”'S enough, Katzberg,” Abe shouted. ”You got a whole lot too much to say for yourself for a new beginner. I ain't saying you need a salesman, Katzberg; I am only saying that you are going to hire one, Katzberg. And after you hire one you will quick need him.”

Abe placed his hand on Sidney's shoulder.

”Here is a young feller which he ain't going to gamble _oder_ fool away his time. He is going to sell goods,” he declared. ”He works for years by the biggest raincoat house in the country, and he's got an acquaintance among the retail clothing trade which it is easy worth to you twenty-five dollars a week and the regular commissions.”

”But we couldn't afford to pay no salesman twenty-five dollars a week,”

Shapolnik exclaimed.

”Try me just one week,” Sidney said, ”and I'll bring in enough cash to pay my salary.”

”I forgot to say,” Abe interrupted, ”that he's also got a lot of confidence in himself.”

”Maybe I have,” Sidney retorted: ”but I'm going to make good.”

”Certainly you are,” Abe added, rising from his chair; ”and now, Katzberg, the whole thing is settled.”

Katzberg shrugged and extended one palm outward in a gesture of despair.

”Seemingly we are not our own bosses here,” he said.

”Seemingly not,” Abe rejoined; ”but, just the same, if you will take on this young feller for a salesman I would give you a guaran_tirt_ that I will make good all you would lose on him for the first three months. Is my word good enough?”

”Sure, it is!” Shapolnik cried. ”When would you come to work by us, Mr.

Koblin?”

”This morning,” Abe answered for Sidney--”right now; and one thing I must got to say to you, Sidney, before I go: stand in your own shoes and don't try to excuse yourself, on account you got a rich father. Also, if the old man makes you an offer you should come back to him, turn it down. Take it from me, Sidney, you got a big future here.”