"Naturally," Abe agreed. He scented what was coming.
"But anyhow, I says to Feder, I got it lots of friends in the trade, and I ain't exactly broke yet, neither, Abe."
He lifted his Swiss-cheese sandwich in his left hand, holding out the third finger the better to display a five-carat stone, while Abe devoted himself to his veal.
"Of course, Abe," Hymie continued, "on the first of the month—that's only two weeks already—things will be running easy for me."
He looked at Abe for encouragement, but Abe's facial expression was completely hidden by veal stew, fragments of which were clinging to his eyebrows.
"But, naturally, I'm at present a little short," Hymie croaked, "and so I thought maybe you could
help me out with, say a thousand dollars till the first of the month, say."
Abe laid down his knife and fork and massaged his face with his napkin.
"For my part, Hymie," he said, "you should have it in a minute. I know it you are good as gold, and if you say that you will pay on the first of the month a U-nited States bond ain't no better."
He paused impressively and laid a hand on Hymie's knee.