Levy
All right—all right. Then you are the chairman from the Executive Committee. So I want to ask you, who is the shamus of the Orchard Street Synagogue? Am I the shamus oder ain’t I the shamus?
[The argument has reached its vociferous height when suddenly the door is opened and Jack stands on the threshold. His appearance cuts the noise of the three men in the room as if with a knife. They stare at him open-mouthed. He is out of breath. He is a young man who has made a grave decision, and that decision has already given him a new dignity. In an instant, pale and quiet, he is by Yudelson’s side.]
Yudelson
[The first of the three to recover]. Jakie!
Jack
Yudelson, get me a praying shawl, and see if you can find a plush skull cap like the Cantor’s, only a little smaller.
Yudelson
[Triumphantly]. A praying shawl and a skull cap! Jakie is going to sing!