'Oh yes, they came, and they read, and they ate. Only they did not pay.'
'You should have made it a rule—cash down.'
Again a fine shade of rebuke and astonishment crossed his lean and melancholy visage.
'And could I oppress a brother-in-Israel? Where had those young men to turn but to me?'
Again Barstein felt his angelic reputation imperilled. He hastened to change the conversation.
'And why do you want to go to Bursia?' he said.
'Why shall I want to go to Bursia?' Nehemiah replied.
'You said so.' Barstein showed him the letter.
'Ah, I said I shall sooner go to Bursia than to Russia. Always Sir Asher Aaronsberg speaks of sending us back to Russia.'
'He would,' said Barstein grimly. 'But where is Bursia?'