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 346 PINSKI

Shloimeh, they threw themselves upon it, nearly tore it to pieces, and all but came to blows as to who should have the binding of it.

Eeb Shloimeh began to feel that he was doing some- thing, that he was being really useful, and he was supremely happy.

The town, of course, was aware of Keb Shloimeh's constant visits to the bookbinder's, and quickly found out what he did {here.

"He's just off his head !" they laughed, and shrugged their shoulders. They even laughed in Eeb Shloimeh's face, but he took no notice of it.

His pleasure, however, came 'to a speedy end. One day the binder spoke out.

"Eeb Shloimeh," he said shortly, "you prevent us from working with your stories. What do you mean by it? You come and interfere with the work."

"But do I disturb?" he asked. "They go on working all the time

"And a pretty way of working," answered the book- binder. "The boys are ready enough at finding an excuse for idling as it is ! And why do you choose me? There are plenty of other workshops "

It was an honest "neck and crop" business, and there was nothing left for Eeb Shloimeh but to take up his stick and go.

"Nothing again !" he whispered.

There was a sting in his heart, a beating in his temples, and his head burned.

"Nothing again! This time it's all over. I must die die a story with an end."