n a
more lucrative business. It seemed a distinct step downward when he
compared the well-nigh tender methods employed by him in disposing of
soap and perfumery to the proprietresses of beauty parlours, with the
more robust salesmanship in vogue in the retail clothing business; and
he sighed heavily as he contemplated the immaculate ends of his
finger-nails, so soon to be sullied by contact with the fast-black,
all-wool garments in Zamp's clothing store.

"Also, I would meet you right here," Shimko concluded, "at half-past
one sharp to-morrow."

* * * * *

After the conclusion of his interview with Isaac Meiselson, Shimko
repaired immediately to Zamp's tailoring establishment, and together
they proceeded to the office of Mr. Boris Klinkowitz, manager of the
Olympic Gardens, on Rivington Street. Shimko explained the object of
their business, and in less than half an hour the resourceful
Klinkowitz had engaged a force of cutters, salesmen, and customers
sufficient to throng Harry Zamp's store for the entire day.

"You would see how smooth the whole thing goes," Klinkowitz declared,
after he had concluded his arrangements. "The cutters is genu-ine
cutters, members from a union already, and the salesmen works for years
by a couple concerns on Park Row."

"And the customers?" Zamp asked.

"That depends on yourself," Klinkowitz replied. "If you got a couple
real bargains in sample garments, I wouldn't be surprised if the
customers could be genu-ine customers also. Two of 'em works here as
waiters, evenings, and the other three ain't no bums, neither. I called
a dress-rehearsal at your store to-morrow morning ten o'clock."

On the following day, when Mr. Shimko visited his tenant's store, he
rubbed his eyes.

"Ain't it wonderful?" he exclaimed. "Natural like life!"

"S-s-sh!" Zamp exclaimed.

"What's the matter, Zamp?" Shimko whispered.

Zamp winked.

"Only the cutters and the salesmen showed up," he replied.

"Well, who are them other fellows there?" Shimko asked.

"How should I know?" Zamp said hoarsely. "A couple of suckers comes in
from the street, and we sold 'em the same like anybody else."

Here the door opened to admit a third stranger. As the two "property"
salesmen were busy, Zamp turned to greet him.

"Could you make me up maybe a dress suit _mit_ a silk lining?" the
newcomer asked.

"What are you so late for?" Zamp retorted. "Klinkowitz was here
_schon