For answer to this optimistic prophecy Zapp emitted a short and mirthless laugh, while he handed to his partner another letter, which read as follows:
Hotel Prince Clarence,—Sunday night.
Friend Birsky: As I told you Saturday, lots of things might happen before Monday, which they did happen; so that I cannot look over your sample line on account I am obliged to leave for Cordova right away. Please excuse me; and, with best wishes for the success of your society, I am
Yours truly,
Jonas Eschenbach.
P.S. I will be back in New York a free man not later than next week at the latest, and the first thing I will call at your place. We will talk over then the society and what happens with your designer yesterday, which I do not anticipate he will make you any trouble—and the other man, neither.
J. E.
"Well," Birsky commented as he returned the letter to Zapp, "what of it?"
"What of it!" Zapp exclaimed. "You are reading such a letter and you ask me what of it?"
"Sure," Birsky replied; "I says what of it and I mean what of it! Is it such a terrible thing if we got to wait till next week before Eschenbach gives us the order, Zapp?"