"One moment, Mr. Trinkmann," Max said. "We are not trying to steal away your waiters at all. Mr. Ringentaub here is a gentleman, even if some people which is in the restaurant business don't act that way, Mr. Trinkmann; but as you told me yourself, Mr. Trinkmann, you are firing Louis and he's going to quit you at three o'clock; and as it is now five minutes to three——"
"Who is going to quit me at three o'clock?" Trinkmann demanded.
"Louis is," Maikafer said.
"That's where you make a big mistake," Trinkmann cried. "Louis ain't going to quit me at all. Here, I'll show you."
He led the way into the restaurant.
"Come inside, Mr. Ringentaub," he said excitedly. "No one is going to harm you. Come right inside, and I'll show you suckers you are mistaken."
He closed the door after them and almost ran to the kitchen.
"Louis," he said, "come here; I want to talk a few words something to you."
He grabbed Louis by the arm and led him to the cashier's desk, where Maikafer and his companion were standing.
"Louis," he said, "tell these gentlemen didn't I told you you should ring up sure to-morrow morning Greenberg & Company about the cigars?"