"We did; and when the mayor asked Mr. Sands about you, he said you were honest, and did your work well, but——"
"Notice that remark particularly. I hope you called the mayor's attention to it," interrupted Master Simon. "What else did he say?"
"He said you were a nuisance——"
"Observe how far his prejudices carried him. That man believed, if I stayed in the store, that I should supplant him and his partner. You see how far he carried his spite."
"But he said all the good he could of you Simon," said Katy. "He said you were honest and did your work well."
"Can a nuisance be honest, and do work well? Hath not a Jew eyes?" queried Mr. Simon, with dramatic fervor.
"He didn't say anything about Jews."
"I was quoting Shakspeare, the immortal bard of Avon. Katy, Sands knew that I was securing the respect and esteem of all his customers; and he knew very well if I should step into a rival establishment, I should take half his trade with me," continued the injured Sneed.
"He said his customers were disgusted with you. You talked so big and thought so much of yourself, he would not have you in the store at any price. But I should think that Runn & Reed would be glad to have you if you can carry so much trade with you."
"They cannot know till I have had a chance to show them what I can do."