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153 THE KING OF SCIINORRERS. 153

he could only keep firm now, he told himself, he might emancipate himself for ever. Yes, he would be strong, and Manasseh should never dare address him again. " I won't pay a stiver," he roared.

" If you make a scene I will withdraw," said Manasseh quietly. " Already there are ears and eyes turned upon you. From your language people will be thinking me a dun and you a bankrupt."

" They can go to the devil ! " thundered Grobstock, " and you too ! "

" Blasphemer ! You counsel me to ask the devil to con- tribute to the Synagogue ! I will not bandy words with you. You refuse, then, to contribute to this fund?"

" I do, I see no reason."

" Not even the five pounds I vowed on behalf of Yankele himself — one of your own people ? "

" What ! I pay in honour of Yankele — a dirty Schnon-er / "

"Is this the way you speak of your guests?" said Manasseh, in pained astonishment. " Do you forget that Yankele has broken bread at your table? Perhaps this is how you talk of me when my back is turned. But, beware ! Remember the saying of our sages, ' You and I cannot live in the world,' said God to the haughty man. Come, now ! No more paltering or taking refuge in abuse. You refuse me this beggarly five pounds? "

" Most decidedly."

" Very well, then ! "

Manasseh called the attendant.

"What are you about to do?" cried Grobstock appre- hensively.

" You shall see," said Manasseh resolutely, and when the attendant came, he pressed the price of his cup of coffee into his hand.