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71 THE KING OF SCHNORRERS. 71

People may become less pious, and you lose your Synagogue- knocking. Or more pious — and they won't want congre- gation-men."

" But new Synagogues spring up," urged Yankele.

"New Synagogues are full of enthusiasm," retorted Manasseh. "The members are their own congregation- men."

Yankele had his roguish twinkle. " At first," he admitted, " but de Schnorrer vaits his time."

Manasseh shook his head. " Schnorring is the only occu- pation that is regular all the year round," he said. " Every- thing else may fail — the greatest commercial houses may totter to the ground ; as it is written, ' He humbleth the proud.' But the Schnorrer is always secure. Whoever falls, there are always enough left to look after him. If you were a father, Yankele, you would understand my feelings. How can a man allow his daughter's future happiness to repose on a basis so uncertain as work? No, no. What do you make by your district visiting ? Everything turns on that."

Tventy-five shilling a veek ! " Really?"

" Law of Moses In sixpences, shillings, and half- crowns. Vy in Houndsditch alone, I have two streets all except a few houses."

" But are they safe ? Population shifts. Good streets go down."

" Dat tventy-five shillings is as safe as Mocatta's business. I have it all written down at home — you can inspect de books if you choose."

No, no," said Manasseh, with a grand wave of his stick.

If I did not believe you, I should not entertain your pro- posal for a moment. It rejoices me exceedingly to find you