finally accepted, thanks and blessings were heaped upon him.

Shmerl was soon in bed and asleep and in his dreams he saw visions of a paradise. The Shimanowski family, too, passed a very restful night.

CHAPTER IV

SUNDAY morning, according to promise, Shmerl called for Chatskel and took him to Grand Street in order to try to procure work for him. Shimanowski, having been a dry-goods man "en miniature," in Ostrolenka, knew a deal about fabrics and was at once awarded the position of rag assorter at the snug wages of four dollars per week. Shmerl then wished to introduce him to a few compatriots, but Chatskel besought him to return home with him so as to bring the happy tidings to his family. Their joy and gratitude

toward Mr. Moshinski I will not attempt to describe, but will leave it to the imagination of the reader. Shmerl had to stay to dinner and the great event was celebrated in befitting style, and when Moshinski arose to keep another appointment, he had to promise to come as often as time would permit.

On their way back to Shimanowski's home, Shmerl had by strategy discovered Chatskel's financial condition. He therefore, before leaving, put a five-dollar gold piece into his hand. Shimanowski demanded an explanation and Moshinski said: "I wish you to have it in case of emergency." Chatskel became indignant and cried out: "God beware! How came you to do that? Am I ashnorrer' (beggar)? I never in my life have imposed upon the kind hearts of others and would rather starve and hope 'His blessed Name' will always help me to support my dear

family honorably. Here, my dear sir and friend, if my honor is dear to you, take back your money, I beseech you. I am already so much indebted to you that, not knowing how I can ever repay you is torture enough, without adding more to it."

Shmerl, in his intelligence, changed tactics: "I am more indebted to you and your esteemed family than you can ever be to me, and it makes not a particle of difference to me whether the five dollars is with me or in your trust, so, pray, look upon it as a mere loan, and when you get your wages you can pay it back to me. I hope you will not deprive me of this pleasure." Esther interceded, and through her influence only did Chatskel consent to the proposition. After the young man had departed, Chatskel exclaimed: "What a "Tshatshke'! (a noble person who gives joy to his fellow people, like a toy to the child). May the God of Israel be his pro

tector on all his ways!" Esther and Malkeh responded "Amen." Chatskel, in his exuberance, cried: "Do we not find mercy in the eyes of God and man? It must be the good deeds of our ancestors!" And the three again prayed for the welfare of their benefactor, Shmerl Moshinski.

On Monday the a very early hour. synagogue to pray

Shimanowskis arose at
Chatskel went to the

and to put five cents in the charity-box, while the ladies prepared breakfast, after which Shimanowski went to work. While arranging their rooms and attending to their household, the conversation of mother and daughter turned upon Shmerl, and the more they analyzed him the more convinced they were that he was a "silk-like person," and again they called down all the blessings upon him, particularly Malkeh, for she loved her father, he was so kind and gentle, with all the filial love that a mortal being is able

to bestow, and she felt the image of Shmerl Moshinski not only standing before her vision, but penetrating her young, pure, and chaste heart. With reverence and deep gratitude she measured his qualities

he, the benefactor of her dear father, of the whole family; and when her mother addressed her to consult her about the preparation of the dinner, she was awakened as from a dream.

At noon Malkeh went downstairs to meet her father. At the dinner table Chatskel related his experiences, that he was pleased with his work and the man for whom he was working, and was happy to state that he had made the acquaintance of a Mr. Mottl Borrowitch from Brock, who knew some of their relatives there, and who had promised to visit them.

In the evening Shmerl Moshinski came to inquire how his new friend was getting along with his job, and, as he had prom