“Not at all,” said the man—and wrote accordingly.
Cimon took the paper and courteously withdrew.
In very much the same manner and with like success he dealt with several other establishments in the same neighborhood—obtaining from each a written statement of present prices and of how these compared, with the prices of the years immediately preceding. The last place he visited was that of Simeon Ben Simeon. Here, for the first time, he saw himself recognized—Simeon himself being present—and was received in a very cordial way.
“We certainly are under great obligations to you and that magnificent young friend of yours for your spirited help yesterday in the synagogue. I have been quite desirous to meet you again: especially as I saw that both of you were much interested in my report of matters in Judea, and, as I ventured to think, took very much the same view of them as I did. Also, I have something new to tell you.”
Simeon then gave the account with which we are already familiar, as given to Aleph by Rachel. And, in return, the Greek related what Shaphan had told him—keeping back, however, the part that related to Malus. And they rejoiced together.
“Tell me,” said Simeon suddenly, “about that young man—you know whom I mean. Somehow he has a way of walking into one’s confidence and affections after a very wonderful fashion. Who is he?”
Cimon smiled at this downrightness and furious driving at the mark.
“For the present,” said he, “he is only the friend and pupil of Cimon the son of Cimon. I may, however, add that he is one who is quite worthy of the impression he makes. The gold is solid. I have now known him for twenty years—that is to say, ever since he was born—and I have nothing but good and great things to say of him. Is he my son? Of course not—as one can easily see—but though not my son he is a remarkably good substitute for one. I could hardly have a better. And,” he added archly, “I think seriously of adopting him.”
The Jew laughed at the cleverness of the Greek, and forebore to press; only adding, “I could adopt him without thinking seriously of it.”