He glanced sharply at the open doorway in the partition, through which Elkan and Dishkes could be seen engaged in earnest conversation.
"Yow—customers!" Ringentaub exclaimed. "You know how it is in the antic business, Mr. Paul. For a hundred that looks, understand me, one buys; and that one, Mr. Paul, he comes into your place a dozen times before he makes up his mind yet."
"Well," Paul said with a smile, "I've made up my mind at last, Ringentaub, and I'll take them other two chairs at forty-five dollars."
Ringentaub nodded his head slowly.
"I thought you would, Mr. Paul," he said; "but just the same you are a little late, on account this here gentleman already bought 'em for fifty dollars."
A shade of disappointment passed over Paul's face as he turned to Max Merech.
"I congratulate you, Mister——"
"Merech," Max suggested.
"Merech," Paul continued. "You paid a high price for a couple of good pieces."
"I ain't paying nothing," Max replied. "I bought 'em for this lady here and her husband."