"Immerglick & Frank," Abe read aloud. "A petition in bankruptcy was this day filed against Immerglick & Frank, doing business as the 'Vienna Store.' This firm has been a heavy purchaser throughout the trade during the past two months, but when the receiver took possession there remained only a small stock of goods. The receiver has retained counsel and will examine Louis Frank under Section 21 A of the Bankruptcy Act. It is understood that Mendel Immerglick, the senior partner, sailed for Hamburg last week on the Kaiserin Luisa Victoria and intends to remain in Germany for an indefinite time."
Abe laid down the paper with a sigh of relief.
"If that don't make us solid with Philip Hahn, Mawruss," he said, "nothing will."
Miss Kreitmann left at the end of the week, and Abe and Morris wasted no time in vain regrets over her departure, but proceeded at once to assort and make up a new line of samples for Philip Hahn's inspection. For three days they jumped every time a customer entered the store, and Abe wore a genial smile of such fixity that his face fairly ached.
At length, on the Thursday following Miss Kreitmann's resignation, while Abe was flicking an imaginary grain of dust from the spotless array of samples, the store door burst open and a short, stout person entered. Abe looked up and, emitting an exclamation, rushed forward with both arms extended in hearty greeting.
"Mister Hahn," he cried, "how do you do?"
The newcomer drew himself up haughtily, and his small mustache seemed to shed sparks of indignation.
Abe stopped short in hurt astonishment.
"Is th-there a-anything the matter?" he faltered.
"Is there anything the matter!" Mr. Hahn roared. "Is there anything the matter! That's a fine question for you to ask."