We Jews have too many
enemies in the world. Everybody is ready to shed our blood. So
where would we be if many of our people were not among the
wisest of the wise? Why, they would just crush us like so many
flies. When I see an educated Jew I say to myself, 'That's it!'"
When he heard of my ambition to give lessons he said: "I tell you
what. I'll be your first pupil. I mean it." he added, seriously.
My heart gave a leap. "Very well. I'll try my best," I replied
"Mind you, I don't want to be a philosopher. I just want you to fix
me up in reading, writing, and figuring a little bit. That's all. You
don't think it's too late, do you?"
"Too late!" I chuckled, hysterically. "Why?"
"I can sign or indorse a check, and, thank God, for a good few
dollars, too--but when it comes to fixing in the stuffing, there is
trouble. I know how to write the figures, but not the words. I can
write almost any number.
If I was worth all the money I can put down in figures I should be
richer than Vanderbilt."
To insure secrecy I was to give him his lessons in my attic room
"I don't want my kids to know their pa is learning like a little boy,
don't you know," he explained.
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