The Stranger
Fraidele (laughing shyly)
We have a garret with hay.
The Young Man
Well, will you go along with us, bobbe’she?
The Old Woman
I can go on foot. I am going the other way, my son.
The Old Man
A pity to break old feet that way. It is even hard for me to go on foot.
(Mordcha enters wet and tired.)
Fraidele
Here’s papa! How did you get home so quick?
The Old Man
This is he? Sholem Alechem.
Mordcha
I left my daughter all alone in the house, and now, no Evil Eye, I find the house full of people. The rain drove you in?
Fraidele
How did you get back so soon? You haven’t been to town yet?
The Young Man
We met you with a load of wood.
Mordcha
The load was too heavy, so I broke an axle.
Fraidele
Oh, my!
The Old Woman
Never mind, people will help!
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