the glad news spread through the sudminster congregation that simeon samuels had at last been bought out—at a terrible loss to the martyred marine-dealers who had had to load themselves with chutney and other unheard-of and unsaleable stock. but they would get back their losses, it was felt, by the removal [164]of his rivalry. carts were drawn up before the dismantled plate-glass window carrying off its criminal contents, and simeon samuels stood stroking his beard amid the ruins.

then the shop closed; the shutters that should have honoured the sabbath now depressed the tuesday. simeon samuels was seen to get into the london train. the demon that troubled their sanctity had been exorcised. a great peace reigned in every heart, almost like the sabbath peace coming into the middle of the week.

'if they had only taken my advice earlier,' said solomon barzinsky to his wife, as he rolled his forkful of beef in the chutney.

'you can write to your father, deborah,' said lazarus levy, 'that we no longer need the superior reach-me-downs.'

on the wednesday strange new rumours began to circulate, and those who hastened to confirm them stood dumbfounded before great posters on all the shutters:

closed for re-stocking

the old-fashioned stock of this business

having been sold off to the trade,

simeon samuels

is taking the opportunity

to lay in the best and most up-to-date

london and continental goods

for his customers.

bargains and novelties in every department.

re-open saturday next