'Peace have I always,' rejoined the cobbler cheerily.
David looked at the happy dirty children; he had seen their like torn limb from limb. 'But have you thought of the danger of a pogrom?' he said.
'I have heard whispers of it,' said the cobbler. 'But we Chassidim have no fear. Our wonder-rabbi, who has power over all the spheres, will utter a word, and——'
The Jews scattered before him like dogs.[ToList]
'A Tsaddik (wonder-rabbi) was killed in the last pogrom,' said David brutally. 'You must join a Self-Defence band.'
The cobbler ceased to tap. 'What! Go for a soldier! When the Rebbe caused me to draw a high number!'
'Our soldiering is not for Russia, but to save us from Russia. We must all join together!'
'Me join the Misnagdim!' cried the cobbler in horror. 'Never will I join with those who deny the Master-of-the-Name.'