“Imprimis,” Mr. Feldman went on, “I have not been consulted by Mr. Grossman about what he desires done in the matter, but, speaking ex cathedra, I am of the opinion that some method might be devised for rescinding the contract.”

“You mean we can get Potash & Perlmutter to release him?”

“Precisely,” said Mr. Feldman, “and in a very elementary and efficacious fashion.”

“Well, I ain’t prepared to pay so much money at once,” said Leon.

Now, when it came to money matters, Henry D. Feldman’s language could be colloquial to the point of slang.

“What’s biting you now?” he said.  “I ain’t going to charge you too much.  Leave it to me, and if I deliver the goods it will cost you two hundred and fifty dollars.”

Leon sighed heavily, but he intended getting Louis back at all costs, not, however, to exceed ten thirty-three, thirty-three.

“Well, I ain’t kicking none if you can manage it,” he replied.  “Tell us how to go about it.”

Straightway Mr. Feldman unfolded a scheme which, stripped of its technical phraseology, was simplicity itself.  He rightly conjectured that the most burdensome feature of the contract, so far as Potash & Perlmutter were concerned, was the five per cent. share of the profits that fell to Louis Grossman each week.  He therefore suggested that Louis approach Abe Potash and request that, instead of five per cent. of the profits, he be paid a definite sum each week, for the cloak and suit business has its dull spells between seasons, when profits occasionally turn to losses.  Thus Louis could advance as a reason that he would feel safer if he be paid, say, twenty dollars a week the year round in lieu of his uncertain share of the profits.

“Abe Potash will jump at that,” Leon commented.

“I anticipate that he will,” Mr. Feldman went on, “and then, after he has paid Mr. Grossman the first week’s installment it will constitute a rescission of the old contract and a substitution of a new one, which will be a contract of hiring from week to week.  At the conclusion of the first week their contractual relations can be severed at the option of either party.”

“But I don’t want them to do nothing like that,” Leon said.  “I just want Louis to quit his job with Potash & Perlmutter and come and work by us.”

“Look a-here, Sammet,” Feldman broke in impatiently.  “I can’t waste a whole morning talking to a boob that don’t understand the English language.  You’re wise to the part about Louis Grossman asking for twenty dollars a week steady, instead of his share of the proceeds, ain’t you?”

Leon nodded.

“Then if Potash falls for it,” Feldman concluded, “as soon as Grossman gets the first twenty out of him he can throw up his job on the spot.  See?”

Leon nodded again.

“Then clear out of this,” said Feldman and pushed a button on his desk to inform the office-boy that he was ready for the next client.