Many times he had settled lunch checks in two figures, for Miss Kreitmann’s appetite was in proportion to her size.  Moreover, a prominent Broadway florist was threatening Mendel with suit for flowers supplied Miss Kreitmann at his request.  Nor were there lacking other signs, such as the brilliancy of Mendel’s cravats and the careful manicuring of his nails, to indicate that he was paying court to Miss Kreitmann.

“I think, Abe,” Morris said finally, “we’re due for an inquiry from the Flower City Company about Immerglick & Frank.”

“I hope not, Mawruss,” Abe replied.  “I never liked them people, Mawruss.  In fact, last week Mendel Immerglick struck me for new terms—­ninety instead of sixty days—­and he wanted to give me a couple of thousand dollar order.  I turned him down cold, Mawruss.  People what throw such a bluff like Mendel Immerglick don’t give me no confidence, Mawruss.  I’m willing to sell him up to five hundred at sixty days, but that’s all.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Abe,” Morris protested.  “A couple of bright boys like Mendel Immerglick and Louis Frank can work up a nice business after a while.”

“Can they?” Abe rejoined.  “Well, more likely they work up a nice line of credit, Mawruss, and then, little by little, they make it a big failure, Mawruss.  A feller what curls his mustache like Mendel Immerglick ain’t no stranger to auction houses, Mawruss.  I bet yer he’s got it all figured out right now where he can get advance checks on consignments.”

“I think you do the feller an injury, Abe,” said Morris.  “I think he means well, and besides, Abe, business people is getting so conservative that there ain’t no more money in failures.”

“I guess there’s enough for Mendel Immerglick,” Abe said, and dismissed the subject.

Two weeks later the anticipated letter arrived in the following form: 

MESSRS.  POTASH & PERLMUTTER.

Gents: Mrs. Kreitmann of your city requests us to ask you about
one of your customers by the name of Mr. Mendel Immerglick, of
Immerglick & Frank.  We drew a report on him by both commercial
agencies and are fairly well satisfied, but would be obliged if
you should make inquiries amongst the trade for us and greatly
oblige
Yours truly,
THE FLOWER CITY CREDIT OUTFITTING CO.

Dic.  PH/K

P. S. I hear it this fellow is a good bright young fellow.  I will
be in N. Y. next month and expect to lay in my spring goods. 
PHILIP HAHN.

“Well, Mawruss,” Abe said, as he finished reading the letter, “I’m sorry to get this letter.  I don’t know what I could tell it him about this fellow Immerglick.  Now, if it was a responsible concern like Henry Feigenbaum, of the H. F. Cloak Company, it would be different.”

“Henry Feigenbaum!” Morris exclaimed.  “Why, he’s only got one eye.”

“I know it, Mawruss,” Abe replied, “but he’s got six stores, and they’re all making out good.  But, anyhow, Mawruss, I ain’t going to do nothing in a hurry.  I’ll make good inquiries before I answer him.”