"What's the matter now?" Elkan asked anxiously.
"I want to speak to you a few words something," Polatkin began; but before he could continue Scheikowitz entered the factory.
"Did you got your lunch on the train, Elkan?" Scheikowitz said; "because, if not, come on out and we'll have a cup coffee together."
"Leave the boy alone, can't you?" Polatkin exclaimed.
"I'll go right out with you, Mr. Scheikowitz," Elkan said as he edged away to the rear of the factory. "Go and put on your hat and I'll be with you in a minute."
When Scheikowitz had reëntered the office Elkan turned to Marcus Polatkin.
"You ain't scrapping again," he said, "are you?"
"Oser a Stück," Polatkin answered. "We are friendly like lambs; but listen here to me, Elkan. I ain't got no time before he'll be back again, so I'll tell you. As a matter of fact, it was me that wrote you to come back, really. I got an elegant Shidduch for you."
"Shidduch!" Elkan exclaimed. "For me?"
"Sure," Polatkin whispered. "A fine-looking girl by the name Birdie Maslik, mit five thousand dollars. Don't say nothing to Scheikowitz about it."