The King of Schnorrers - The Original Classic Edition. Zangwill Israel

high a percentage of your income to expect from unexpected sources," admitted Manasseh. "I have myself lingered about 'Change Alley or Sampson's Coffee House just when the jobbers have pulled off a special coup, and they have paid me quite a high percentage on their profits." "And I," boasted Yankele, stung to noble emulation, "have made two sov'rans in von minute out of Gideon de bullion-broker. He likes to give Schnorrers sov'rans, as if in mistake for shillings, to see vat dey'll do. De fools 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." 31 "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?"

      PS 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