Part 26 (1/2)
Nathan shook his head.
”Then tell him when he does come back that I've went up to the Prince Clarence to see a customer,” Morris continued; ”and if he asks what name tell him it's a new concern just starting.”
Five minutes later he visited the business premises of Kleiman & Elenbogen, impelled thereto by a process of reasoning which involved the following points: Klinger & Klein manufactured a medium-price line and so did Kleiman & Elenbogen. Klinger & Klein's leader was The Girl in the Airs.h.i.+p Gown, a t.i.tle suggested by the syndicate's popular musical comedy of that name, while Kleiman & Elenbogen advertised their ”strongest” garment as The Girl in the Motor-boat, out of compliment, of course, to the equally popular musical comedy recently produced by an antisyndicate manager. Both concerns catered to the same cla.s.s of trade, and when either of the partners of Klinger & Klein referred in conversation to a member of the firm of Kleiman & Elenbogen, or vice versa, ”sucker” was the mildest epithet employed.
Hence Morris Perlmutter argued that Max Kirchner would resort to Kleiman & Elenbogen's loft for comfort and advice; and as he stepped out of the elevator his surmise was confirmed by a nimbus emanating from the necktie of a person seated at the far end of the showroom.
”h.e.l.lo, Max!” Morris cried; ”who'd thought of seeing you here!”
Max rose to his feet and extended his right hand in greeting, whereat Morris noted that the four-carat diamond still sparkled on Max's finger.
”I just left your partner over at Hammersmith's, Morris,” Max said.
”Sure, I know,” Morris rejoined; ”that feller makes a G.o.d out of his stomach, Max; but that ain't here nor there. Did you got something to do yet, Max?”
”I've got a whole lot to do trying to find a job, Morris, if that's what you mean,” Max replied.
Morris glanced around the showroom, but both Kleiman and Elenbogen were absent.
”Where are they?” Morris asked.
”Out to lunch, I guess,” Max replied.
”Good!” Morris exclaimed. ”Them suckers would like to know everybody's business. You got a few minutes' time, Max?”
”Nothing but time,” Max replied sadly.
”Then come uptown a few blocks with me,” Morris said. ”I got a proposition to make you.”
Max shrugged his shoulders and put on his hat.
”Yes, Max,” Morris continued as they walked toward the Prince Clarence Hotel, ”I got a proposition to make to you, but first I would like to ask you something a question.”
”Fire away,” Max said.
”What did you done with that other diamond ring which you used to wear--the big one?”
”I have it home,” Max replied. ”What d'ye want to know for?”
”I want to lend you some money on it,” Morris went on calmly; ”also that pin which you got it and that there ring. I want to lend you three thousand dollars on 'em.”
”Three thousand dollars!” Max exclaimed. ”Why, the whole outfit isn't worth two!”
”What do I care?” Morris rejoined. ”It's only a loan and I bet yer you would quick pay me back.”
Max paused on the sidewalk and stared. ”What's the matter, Morris?” he cried. ”Are you sick?”
”Must a feller got to be sick to want to help you out, Max?” Morris said. ”And anyhow, Max, it's as much a favour to us as it is to you.”
By this time they had reached the Prince Clarence Hotel and Morris led the way to the cafe.