The door opened, and there came in four workmen at once.
At first Reb Shloimeh could not believe his eyes, but soon a smile appeared upon his lips, and he tried to sit up.
"Come, come!" he said joyfully, and his heart beat rapidly with pleasure.
The workmen remained standing some way from the bed, not venturing to approach the sick man, but Reb Shloimeh called them to him.
"Nearer, nearer, children!" he said.
They came a little nearer.
"Come here, to me!" and he pointed to the bed.
They came up to the bed.
"Well, what are you all about?" he asked with a smile.
The workmen were silent.